LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




0000^=307531 




,1 'i/ 



FIRST KESSOMS 
. HIST IBY 

OB THE- 
COMPILED FOR THE TTSE OF THE 

JUNIOR CLASSES 

IN 

JOSEPH HOXIB'S ACADE3MET. 



BY MKS. C. M THAYER, 

LATE SUPERINTEND T^NT OP THE FEIMCAZjE 
DEPAHT3VIENT, 



PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. SIBELt, 

264 Pearl-Street 



WILLIAM A MERCEIN, PRINTER, 
13 Burling-Slip; 

1828. 



^Southern District of New- York, ss. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, Tiiat on the 
r^-^^^-^^~r^^ third day of June, in tiie 47tli- 
S S year of the Independence of the 

S S United States of America, Joseph 

^ » ^ c ^°^'6i of ^he said district, hath 

^ **■ **■ 1^ deposited in this office the title of 
^ C ^ Book, the right wheieof he 

S > claims as proprietoi, in th;: words 

^^-r^^j ^^-^ following, to wit : 

* First Lessons in the H'story of tne Utjited States; 
** compiled for the use of the Junior Classes in Joseph 
'' Hbxie's Academy. By xVIrs. C. M. Thayer, late 
"Superintendent of the Female Department." 
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United 
States, entitled, " An Act for the encouragement of 
Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and 
Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during 
the times therein mentioned ;'"■ and also lo an Act, en- 
titled, '' an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled, an Act 
for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies 
of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprie- 
tors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, 
and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing,, 
siigiaving, and etching historical and other prints." 
^ JAMES DILL, 
Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. 



.) 



ADVERTXSSMESNT 

TO THE THIRD EDITION. 

The approbation which an intelligent and gene- 
rous publick have bestowed upon this little work, not 
only encourages the Proprietor to publish a third 
edition, but induces him to believe it is becoming a 
very useful school book. Without any puffing, or 
«ven advertising, vvithout even throwing it into the 
market, two large editions of this truly American work 
have been sold. And indeed what work can be fount! 
more adapted to the capacities and circumstances 
of the youth of our country? Can a son6r daughter in 
the United States find any other really well fitted to 
youthful cap.icity, and yet so subsidiary to the pro- 
motion of all those sublime, patriotick, extensive and 
benevolent view s :>nd f«^e!ings, that make up the truly 
great and useful man ' When a youth in the follow- 
ing pages contemplates the circumstances that led 
to the discovery and settlement of this coutineni ; the 
toils of our ancestors in the wilderness ; their he- 
roick and successfnlresistance of foreign tyranny, he 
cannot fail of becoming a better citizen and a better 
man. The contemplation of such an event as the 
American revolution is better calculated to elevate and 
rejoice the heb't than the contemplation of the siege 
of Troy ; and a perusal of the deeds of a Washington, 
a Franklin, a Hamilton, a La Fayette, a Hancock, 
an Adams, and others the patriot sages and heroes 
of our Revolution, has a much more salutary ten- 
dency than the study of the far famed characters 
presented to the world in thewritinesof Homer arid 
yirfil. ^^ 



The ProprietorVill only add, that, as no labour 
ar expense has been spared to render this edi- 
tion of •' First Lessons in the History of the United 
States," interesting and profitable to tl)e rising gen- 
eration, he hopes it will, as an elementary bo k. or 
a hoJiday present find its way into the hands of eve- 
ry child in the counirj. 



RISCOMM^PHBATSOHS, 



To Mr. Joseph Hoxie, Principal of the Academy at Str 
Mattiiews, New- York. 

New-York, July 17, 1823. 

Dear Sir— As an American and as a fathtr. I feel 
greatly indebted io Mrs. Thayer for the admirabh' little 
volume on American History, with which she has favour- 
ed your young pupils, and the public. But as a Chris- 
tian also, I tender her my special thanks for the sound 
principles which she endeavours to inculcate on the ju- 
venile mind, by means of that publication. 

Independent of the authentic character, the suitable se- 
lections, the impressive detail, and the judicious form of 
the " First Lessons," their tendency is obvious, from the 
brief concluding addiess, to subserve the true interests of 
our country ; for " no nation can long continue free, un- 
less her childien are instructed to fear God and practice 
virtue." Very respectfully, your sincere friend and ser- 
vant, F C SCHAEFFER. 

Pastor of the Lutheran Church, J^ew-York. 



Mr. J. Hoxie — Sir : I have given the little volume by 
Mrs. Thayer ti thorough perusal ; and it affords me plea- 
sure to state, as my opinion of its merits, that the author- 
ess has happily succeede** in adapting the interesting and 
important study of the history of our country to the capa- 
city of childhood. 

History has seldom been effectually/ taught in our 
schools : not, however, for want ol the strictest attention 
of scholars non of the most laborious exertions on the 
part of the teachers, but it is chiefly to be attributed to 
the diffuse and inappropriate arrangement of the histories 
said to be '' written for the use of Schools'' \ In executing 
the " First Lessons in the History of the United States," 
Mrs. Thayer has not been misled by that false pride of 



4» BECOMMEKDATIOlfS. 

authorship which has occasioned so many writers for 
yoiifb lo '< forget the day of small things." The L."-sons 
have been arranged with a particular view to thp (int x- 
panded understanding of children, and ^iressed in a style, 
which, though simple, is by uo means characte: ized by 
stenlity of expression. As an Anierictn, I shall be par- 
doned for clr'ssing, amongst its must p ominent merits, 
that spirit of patriotism breathing through its pages, 
which I consider admirably calculated to inspiie an ar- 
alent love of our native country, eveit ^t an early age. 
Yours, &,c. Joseph C. Hart, 

Late Principal of the Mechanic s School, JVewYork. 
(A similar recommendation has been received from 
Mr. .f.ohn Coats, Principal of the Philom Academy, No. 
208 VVilpam-Street, which has been mislaid.) 



New. York, July 28. 1824. 

M^s. Thayer — Madam, 1 have perused with g eat sa- 
tisfaction, your work entitled, "First Lessons in the His- 
tory of the United States," and since. ely hope it was not 
intended exclusively "for the Junior Classes in Mr. 
Hoxie's Academy." 

We have long felt the want of a work of this kind 
adapled to the capacities of children ; but, afte^ the suc» 
cessful manner wi^h which you have treated the s .ijject, 
1 think our necessities are supplied, and trust the minds 
of the children entrusted to our care, will (after rea ing 
it) bf generally incited to know moieof the interesting 
history of our highly favoured country ; a count y not 
only the " land of the olive and the i^rape, " but the nur- 
sery of liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed 

May it also become (through the exertions of enlight- 
ened instructers and the continuance of the blessiUg^of 
that providence which has done so much foi U'^,^ a na- 
tion whose virtues shall be equal to its privileges. 

With my best wishes for the successful eflfects ot your 
"abours in the culture of the youthful mind, 

I remain, Madam, yours, &c. E.Oram, 
Principal of a Select Female School, Broadway. 



RECOMMFITDATIODrs. 7 

Mr Hoxie — Dear Sir ; The little volume of American 
History, which you had the politeness to s iid me, I have 
exa:uined. and highly ripprove of tlie p .n of qu.^Ntion 
and answer; andfiOiH the cursoiy pemsa; which 1 iiave 
given it, It appeal s to be judiciously coinpliii. At piesent 
I have no juvenile classes o.i the subject in question ; 
when [ shall have, ( will intioduce your b«ok with plea- 
sure. 

Yours, with -espect, sic R Lockwood, 

Principal oj an Acaiitiaij in Chamber street. 



The History of the United States of America, in 24 les- 
sons, and 144 pages, 18 mo by Caiolint Matilda Thayer, 
of (New York, appeais to be a compilation bette. calcu- 
lated for small scliolais then the much larger and excel- 
lent work of a similar kin-i, by Rev. C. A. Goo'iricb. 

Corns. C Blatchly, M. D. 
27 of 7 .no. 1823. 



From Rev M. M- Carll. Principal of an .Academy in 
Phii'ddelphia 

" Fust Leesons in the Hist >ry of the Umted States," 
appears to me to be d book well calculated to einswer 
the pu poiie foi which it was designed. Its arrangeiiients 
bein^ divided into short Lessons, folioned by a series of 
Qui-stioi s on the leading lacth, will have a tendency not 
only to lessen the labours oi me teache., hut cannot fail 
to make a leep and lasting impression on liie mind ot ine 
pupil It would give me pie-'Sure to see the histories of 
Greece, Romr , and England, thrown into the same form. 
Philadelphia, J my 31. 1822. 

Mrs. C. M. Thayek. 



New- York, July 22, 1822, 
I have examined an abridged History of the United 
States, designed for the pupils in Mr. Hoxie's scheeL 



8 REGOMMENDATIONS. 

by Mrs. CM. Thayer. It comprises the most inter- 
esting facts respecting the settlement, progress, and 
institutions of our country, as recorded by the best 
writers, and is better adapted to the wants ofyoung 
learners than any other work of its kind which I have 
seen. 

W S.Cardell, 
Principal of the Cornelia Institution, JVo 9 Murray-St . 

From B M'Gowan, Teacher, Cherry-st New York, 
July 14,1823 

Mr. M Gowan ret:irns Mr Hoxie thanks, for the little 
book ''First Lessons ' He cousiHeis the plan very good, 
and the arrangement jiuiicious, making the exeicise for 
each, inore a pleasant study tnan a tedious and difficult 
task, having the most essential part of " Grimshaw's" 
history reduced to a small compendium The questions 
at the end of each chapter are a valuable acquisition, 
and no doubt will force its way into the different schools 
in a short time. 



New-York, July 22, 1823. 

I am convinced that Mrs. Thayer's Fiitt Lessons in the 
History of the United States, is much better adapted to 
the capacities of children than any other I i)ave read. 

I remain, d^ar sir, jours, A:c.\Vm Fob EST, A M. 

Teacher of an English and Mathematical School f War- 
ren-street 

Joseph Hoxie, Esq. 



To Joseph Hoxie, Esq. Principal of an Academy, &c. 
White street, July 12, 3 P. M 1823 

Samuel L. Mitchel has read with as nuich attention 
as he could, Mrs. I'hayer's First Lessons of Fredonian 
History, fowarded a few days ago. 

He rejoices to find in the intelligent author a person 
who gives credit to the navigators of the North, the 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 9 

Ericksons, and others, worthy of higher praise than they 
have generally received ; and who may. without extrava- 
gance, be conjectured to have pushed tfteir discoveries t» 
Cap.- Cod, if not to Montauk Point, four hundred years 
•t least befo,e rol.nnbus was hoin 

All) he is gratified in the pei>isal of such an epitome 
as seems calculated to make stmng and jus^t impressions 
on the yo thfi/l mind, and to p.epHre the pcipils of her 
•are to .itiderstrtnd how the several B.n.sh plantations, 
colonies, anl p ovinces, g.evvinio mrlependent st ites, 
and lonned that political associiiiion or pa tnership 
which distinguishes them from all the govennents of an- 
cient and modern times. 

Warren Academy. July 23, 1823. 
D«v.R SiR-I hare examined Mrs. Thaye' s ' First 
Lessons m the History of the United Stales/ and think 
it a valuable little compendium, well calculated to intro- 
duce the juveniit* mmd to an acquaintance with the his- 
tory of our own countrv It will be read with interest 
by all classes. The topics are judiciously selected, and 
exp. eased with that clearness antJ elegance which make 
the perusal of the wok highly interesting 

As a text book, the questions annexed to the end of 
each chapter are a valuable appendage. 

Wishing the work its merited patronage, I ara, witk 
great esteem, yours, fee. 

Charles Beldew, 
Prineijial of Warrea Academy. 
Mr. Josepii Hoxie. 



PREFACE. 



The compiler of the following- pages is 
far from supposmg she has added any tiling 
to the stock of historical knowledge already 
before the public. Her only aim has been 
to present the outhnes of the histor) of our 
own country in such a form as to be easily 
remembered by children. The want ol some 
such book for the use of the Junior Classes 
in the Seminary where she has the happiness 
to teach, has been her principal inducement 
to the undertaking, in which she has been 
encouraged by her respected friend, the prin- 
cipal ; to whose zealous exertions for the 
improvement of nis pupils, the public is in- 
debted for the publication of what was at first 
designed only to be used in manuscript. 

It is hardly necessary to add, that this little 
book is not intended to preclude the use of a 
more extensive work. 

The history of the United States, by Grim- 
shaw, is written in a style which cannot fail 
to please, and combines much useful infor- 
mation ; but it is believed that a portion of 



PREFACE. II 

the leisure hours of children may be profita- 
bly devoted to reading the history of our 
own country, before they are old enough to 
comprehend the whole of that interesting vo- 
lume. This little work may serve as an in- 
troduction to that or any other history of the 
United States. Questions are added to each 
lesson, because the writer has found, from 
experience, that children will study with 
more pleasure, and, consequently, with great- 
er improvement, when their minds are di- 
rected to particular facts. It is not neces- 
sary, however, that teachers should be con- 
fined to these questions, v\ hatever may be 
ehcited by genms, or added by industry, may 
be brought into requisition, and subserve the 
important purpose ot cultivating the immor- 
tal mind, in the early stage of its progress to« 
wards the perfection for which it has been 
designed by the beneficent Creator. 



FIRST LESSONS 

IN TTIE 

KZSTOaY OP TUn UJflTED STATES. 

ZiESSO!^ I. 

DISCOVERY. 

The first discovery of the American Con- 
tinent has been generally ascribed to Christo- 
pher Columbus ; but as it is now universally 
admitted that Greenland is a part ot the 
American Continent, the date of the discovery 
must be carried back to the year 982, when 
the Norweij^ians first visited that country. In 
the \eai 1003, they also discoveied a country, 
which the} called Vineland, where the} plant- 
ed a colony. This is supposed to have been 
the coast of Labrador ; but their attempts to 
colonize the country were unsuccessful, and 
the partial knowledge they had obtained of 
this cold and dreary resrion was soon lost. 

These partial discoveries of the Norwe- 
gians do not lessen the merits of Colun.ibus, 
because they were wholly unknown to him, 
and not found in the Geographies of that 



Less. 1 ] DISCOVERY OP AMERICA. 13 

period. He has, therefore, a fair claim to 
the honour of havina: discovered the NEW 
WORLD. Colurnl'us was a native of Ge- 
noa, but a' the time of ma?un^ this great dis- 
covery, resided in Spain. From a long and 
close aij: '.!cati')H to ^ieogiaphy, he had ob- 
tamed a .uiowledge of the true figure of the 
earth, much superior to the general opinions 
of the aj-e in winch he lived. That the 
globe niight be properly balanced, witii a due 
proportion of land and water, he conceived 

, that another continent must necessarily exist, 
whi.':. iie su[jp')sed to be conne'ted with the 
Last Indies After many tiuiriess a[)p ica- 
tions to diftrrent Eu'opean powers for pa- 
tronage and assistance, to enable him to prove 
the truth ot' lis theory, he at length obtained 
three small vessels, under the pat onage 
of Ferdinand and Isabella, who governed 
the united kingdom«< of Arragon and Cas- 
tile 

On this occasion. Queen Isabella disjdayed 
an enterprising and generous mind, worthy 
of the imitation of her sex ; for when it was 
urged that the ('ourt of Spain was deficient 
in funds to enable them to undertake so ex- 
pensive a naval enterprise, she offered to 
pledge her jewels to obtain money, generous- 
ly preferring the public good to the decora- 

;/ tioas of her person. 



I 



1^ OF [Less. 1. 

, els were manned 
-.>, -m' .i .ailed for one year. 
The largest, named the Santa Martha, was 
commanded by Columbus in person and 
he was made Admiral of the fleet V^ ith this 
small fleet, he sailed from J^alos, in Spam, on 
the 3d of August 1492, and steered dnectly 
for the Canary Islands. Here he stO| ped, 
and refitted, as well as he could, his little 
fleet , and, on the 6th of September, sailed a 
due western course into an unknown ocean. 
He had many hardships and difii. ulties to 
encounter, both from the natu e of the un- 
dertaking, and the ignoranct and timidity ot 
the persons under his command. Ou tne 
14th ot September, he found that the magnetic 
needle did not point exactly to the north, but 
varied towards the west, and as they pro- 
ceeded, this variation increased. This htm§ 
the first tin.e that phenomenon was observed, 
the sailors were filled with terror, and at 
length threatened, if ( olumbus did not im- 
mediately return to Spain, they would tirow 
him into the sea, and etreat lvom a trac^ less 
ocean, before their only sure guide should 

entirelv fail. • , .. i „ 

On tids trying occasion Columbus display- 
ed that fortitude and vigour of mmd for w. ich 
he was distinguished, and at length obtained 
the consent of his men to proceed, three (Jays 
lono^er. iiappilv for mankind, on the moinmg 



Less. 1.] AMERICA. 1^ 

of the third day, land was discovered. This 
^reat event too< place on the 1 2th of Octo- 
btr, 1 492. rhe land proved to be an island, 
one' o the cluster calle . Bahama, or Lu( aya 
Islands, to which Columbus i(avp the name 
of St Salvador. Steering soutl.waril he also 
discovered the islan.ls ot ( u a and Mi.pan- 
iola. (now Mayti,)inhabited by a iiuu.ane and 
hos Mta >le people He returned to -\mm, 
and arrived at Palos the Idu of laroh, 1 49 J. 

He made three other voya^^es to America, 
and in nis tiiird vo aire, .liscov red t e con- 
tinent, at the moutii of tue river Oronoco ; 
then coasted w.>stward 600 miles to Cape 
Vela, where he c ossed over to Hispaniola. 

In I503ne made his fourth voyage, and 
discovered the harbour of Porto Bello and 
the Gull of Oarien 

This great man was not destitute of ene- 
mies, who, envying his suc-.ess, embittered his 
declining life, ^ His friend and patroness, Isa- 
bella, was dead ; and Ferdinand, fory^etlul of 
the services of his illustrious subject, sulfered 
him to languish under the persecutions of his 
enemies He died at Valadolid, on the 25th 
of May, 1506, in the 59th vear of his age. 

In 1499, \mericus Vespucius, a native of 
Florence, accompanied Ojeda, an enterpris- 
ing Spaniard, to America. On his return he 
published an account of his voyage, and a 
description of the new continent. His book 
circulated rapidly, and was read with admira- 



16 AMERICA. [Less. 1. 

tion. In this narrative Americus insinuated 
that the glory of having discovered the new 
world heloiiged to him, and hy some un- 
accountable caprice, the error was perpetua- 
ted, ,so that by universal cf nsent this great 
continent is now called America. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

To whom has been ascribed the honour of 
discovering tliC continent of America ? 

Is Greenland a part of the continent ? 

By whom was it discove )d ? 

In what year ? 

W hat other countr} did the Norwegians 
discover ? 

Do these discoveries lessen the merit of 
Columbus ? 

Of what country was Columbus a native ? 

^ hat led him to suppose there -was a new 
continent to discover ? 

Who assisted ! im in the undertaking ? 

What is sajd of Isabella ? 

Describe the fleet of Columbus ? From 
what I ort did he sail ? When ? 

What course did he steer ? 

What difhculties did he encounter on the 
yoyage ? 

When was land discovered ? 



^ 



Less. 2. J DISCOVERY OF NORTH AMERICA 17 

What island was first discovered ? 

How many voyages did Columbus make 
to the new world ? 

In which ol" them did he discover the con- 
tinent ? Where ? 

What discoveries did he make in his fourth 
voyage ? 

How was the latter part of his hfe embit- 
tered ? 

^^ hen and where did he die ? 

Why was the country called America ? 



DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF 
NORTH AMERICA. 

The discoveries of Columbus were limited 
to South America and the VVest India Isl- 
ands. The shores of North America were 
first explored by John Cabot, who obtained a 
grant from Henry VIl. of England, to disco- 
ver unknown lands and annex them to the 
crown of Great Britain. In 1 496 he explo- 
red the coast of La'-rador, and 1497 discov- 
ered Newfoundland, and t aversed the coast 
from thence to Cape Florida. Nearly eighty 
years elapsed before any attempts were made 
by the English to colonize the country, and 

B2 



18 DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT [LcSS. 2. 

more then a hundred before any permanent 
settlement was made. 

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the open- 
ing of a direct intercourse with India was 
again attempted This had been the favourite 
project of naviiratorF for more than two cen- 
turies, and a route wa;^ now iiiiiri eu out dif- 
ferent from any which had ! een pursued. As 
every arte Kipt to find a passage b) the north 
east had tailed, a schen^e was now lormed to 
hold an opjiosite course by the north-west, 
the 'onduct of which was entrusted to iMar- 
tiii Frobisher. In three successive vn}ages 
he explored the coast of Labrador, * ut with- 
out discovei ing any rational appearance oi a 
passage. 

About this time Sir Francis Drake accom- 
plished his celebrated voyage round the world, 
an exploit which impressed the English with a 
just sense of their own abilities and courage, 
as equal to any undertaking They now be- 
gan to form plans for settling colonies in 
those countries which hitherto they had only 
visited. 

Among the first adventurers was Sir Hum- 
phrey Gi'bert, a brave and experienced offi- 
cer. But two expeditions which he conduct- 
ed were unfortunate, and the last awfully dis- 
astrous ; while returning to England without 
having performed any thing more important 
than the ceremony of taking possession of 



Less. 2.] OP NORTH AMERICA. 19 

Newfoundland, the frigate in which he sailed 
was lost at sea. and all on board perished. 

This disaster did n(>t discouras^e Sir Wal- 
ter Raleigh, the relative of Sir Humphrey 
Gilbert. In 1584 Raleigh dispatched two 
small vessels, under the command of Philip 
Ama uis and Arthur Barlow, which reached 
the coast of Virginia in sixty-seven days. 
They touciieJ fi) st at a island called V\ oco- 
ken, (probably Ocaco e,) then at Roanoke, 
near the entrance of Albemarle Sound. On 
their return to England, [ liza)>eth was so 
well pleased with their description ot the 
country, that she gave h the name of Virgi- 
nia, as a memorial that this happy disco- 
very was made in the reign of a maiden 
Queen. 

The next year Raleigh fitted out a squad- 
ron of seven small lessels, and one hundred 
and eighty adventurers This colony was 
left on the island of Roanoke, where they 
were soon reduced to great distress by fa- 
mine, and the hostility of the Indians, and they 
all returned to England with Sir Francis 
Drake, on his return from the West-Indies. 

The following year another expedition 
was fitted out under the command of captain 
White, which was equally unfortunate, and 
no permanent English settlement was made 
until the year 1607. This settlement was 
called Jamestown, in honour of James 1. then 
King of England. 



20 DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT [LeSS. S'. 

Previous to this period the Spaniards had 
made considerahle settlements in '^Jexico, and 
the Prench had planted a colony in (/anada. 
Mexico, the oldest city in America- wa> built 
in 1521, and Qu^^ )ec rounded in 1608. 

A particular account of these settlements 
does not come within the limits of our plan, 
as this is designed to -e a history of the Lnited 
States, or independent America. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

How were the discoveries of Columbus 
limited ? 

Who explored the shores of North Ameri- 
ca ? 

VVh.n? 

How long after the discovery of America 
was the tirst English settlement ? 

What had been a favourite proji ct with 
navi<^ators ? 

What =oute h^d been pursued ? 

What couse was now marked out ? 

Who conducted tiie enterprise ? 

What country did Frobisher explore ? 

Who first sailed lound the world ? 

What effect had this enterprise on the En- 
glish nal ion ? 

What plans did they now begin to form ^ 



Less. 2.] OP NORTH AMERICA. 21 

What distinguished officer was among the 
first adventurers ? 

Describe his expeditions ? 

What other attempt was made to form a 
settlement ? 

How did it terminate ? 

Why was the country called Virginia ? 

What was the fate ot the second colony ? 

Of the third, under Capt. White ? 

When and where was the first permanent 
settlement made ? 

What was it called ? 

Where had the Spaniards and French 
made settlements ? 

Which is the oldest cit; in America ? 

When was it built ? 

W'hen was Quebec founded ? 



IiEsSOi^ 111. 

HISTORY OF THs SKTTLF.MENT 
AT JAMESTOWN. 

The first settlers of all new countries have 

many difficulties to encounter, and many of 

the emigrants to America were ill calculated 

ic\ Wnnrove au Uncultivated country. They 

ssipated and profligate, and destitute 

industry and economy which their 

n required. 



22 HISTORY OP THE [LcSS. 3. 

Dijsentions broke out among their leaders, 
and they were involved in a war with the na- 
tives ; they suffered from famine and disease, 
and in six months one halt" of their number 
died. 

The energy and talents of ('apt. Smith 
saved the coltmy from utter ruin. This dis- 
tinguished person seems to have been 
peculiarly fitted, by former sufferings, priva- 
tions, iind uchievemeiits. as well as by his 
great courage and personal avery, to go- 
vern such men as composed the colony of 
Virii^inia. Hein<j: advanced to the chief com- 
mand, h restored order, overawed the sava- 
ges, and procured a stock of provisions 

In an expedition against the Imiians, he 
was taken prisoner, and conveyed to Pow- 
hattan, the principal chief of Virginia, f^ere 
his genius assisted him to overcome a misfor- 
tune which bravery might in vain oppose. 
He promised the king a certain number of 
hatchets and bliie beads for his ransom. The 
king consented, but insisted upon seeing the 
articles before his prisoner was set at li )er- 
ty. Smith tore a leaf from his pocket-b )ok, 
on which he vrrote a brief account of his 
situation, and assured Powhattan if he would 
suffer one of his men to take it to Jamestown, 
he should find the articles under a certain 
tree, on a day which he named. The messen- 
ger was despatched, though Powhattan only 



Less. 3.] SETTLEMENT AT JAMESTOWN. 23 

believed this to be an artifice to prolong the life 
of the prisoner ; but to his utter astonisliment 
on the day appointed the articles were found, 
exactly as he had predicted. Smit':! was now 
reorarrJed as a poweriul magician, and libera- 
ted witfi every possible mark of respect. 

For some time afterwards their dread of 
the powerful master ol tl»e magic leaf kept 
the Indiims quiet ; but at length their fears 
being in some measure aHa\ed, they ventured 
to attack the colony, and Smith was again 
taken prisoner. 

He was now condemned to death, but at 
the moment of executing the sentence, Poca- 
hontas, the favourite daughter of Powhattan, 
rusi.ed between the prisoner and the uplifted 
club, and by Uer tears and intreaties, prevail- 
ed on her father to recall the sentence. 

Nor .as this all the service which this 
amiable child performed^ for the English. 
Powh .ttan and his chiefs hud secretly formed 
a plan to cut olf the Einglish by a genei al mas- 
sacre ; bu! one cold rainy night, when the 
Indians were confined to their tents by the 
storm. Pocahontas ventured alone through 
the wood and gave titnely notic e to (-apt. 
Smitfi. By this seasonable information, the 
English were prepared, and the colony saved. 
Soon after the arrival of the great expedition 
under Lord Delaware, Smith returned to 
England. Mis return was the occasion of 
great loss and confusion to the Knglish. 



£4 HISTORY OP THE [LcSS. 3. 

Pocahontas now ceased to visit Jamestown, 
but was after some time decoyed thither by 
an old Indian woman, whom the English had 
bribed by the reward of a copper kettle, to 
get this amiable princess into their hands as 
a hostage. She was persuaded on board a 
ship, where she was kept a prisoner until 
Pow'.attan, who dearl loved her. concluded 
a treaty w th the Eiii^iish on their own terms. 
Here Vlr Rolf ^vas so charmed with her 
behaviour, thai he married her, and took her 
to England. She wa^ treated with kindness 
in England, and presented at court. Here 
she met Capt. Smith, but he did not receive 
her with the foadness whi^.h he was accus- 
tomed to show in America, at which Si;e was 
murii grieved, and it was loug before she was 
reconciled to that change of manners which 
the decorum of the court jequired. She was 
instructed in the c^hristlan religion, and pub- 
licl}' baptized in liiigland. We are told also, 
that *'she became very formal and evil in her 
manners, alter the English fashions '"*" She 
died at Gravesend, having embarked for 
America. She lett one son, from whom are 
descended some of the principal families in 
Virginia. 

The culture of tobacco was introduced 
into the colony in 1616, and so great was the 

^General History of Virginia. 



Less. 3.] SETTLEMENT AT JAMESTOWN. 25 

demand for it, that there was found to be a: 
deficiency of labourers. 

A Dutch ship from the coast of Guinea, 
with a cargo ot slaves, sailed up the James 
River, and disposed of a part of her cargo to 
the planters. This was the introduction of 
slavery, an evil which still exists, although its 
effects are, in some degree, ameliorated. 
The colonists were chiefly young men, and 
without those local attachments which spring 
from the endearing relations of domestic life. 
To obviate this difficulty, the council of Lon- 
don, who managed the concerns of the colony, 
engaged a considerable number of young wo- 
men, of humble birth, but unexceptionable 
character, to go over to America. The plan- 
ters received them with great kindness, and 
paid their passage in tobacco. 

Virginia was now fast advancing in wealth 
and numbers, when an event took j )lace which 
brought the settlement to the brink of ruin. 
The Indians had long secretly planned tO' 
attack the Eni lishwhen they were unprepar- 
ed,^ and cut them off by a general massacre. 
This design was carried into effect on the 22d 
of March, 1622, and in one hour nearly one 
fourth of the colony were destroyed. 

A long and bloody war ensued, in whicli 
the Indians were slaughtered, without re'a^ard 
to age or sex, 

C 



^(J HISTORY OF THE [LcSS.iJ. 

Harassed by frequent dissentions among 
themselves, the London Company at length 
forfeited their charter, in 1624 The colony 
then became a royal government, under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the crovi^n. 

Of nine thousand persons who had emi- 
grated thither, scarcel> eii::hteen hundred re- 
mained at the dissolution of the company 



Q,UESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What was the character of the first settlers 
in Virginia ? 

In what were they involved ? 

What occasioned thei sutferinofs ? 

How many died in the first six mouths ? 

What celebrated commander is mentioned ? 

What is said of him ? 

To what was he advanced ? 

By whom was he taken prisoner ? 

How was his life preserved ? 

How was he regarded by the savages ? 

How was he saved the second time ? 

W hat other services did Pocahontas render 
the colony ? 

What effect had the absence of Smith on 
the affairs of the colony ? 

How was Pocahontas induced to visit 

Jamestown ? 



Less. 3.] SETTLEMENT AT JAMEST©WN. 27 

How was she treated ? 

What effect had her imprisonment on Pow- 
hattan ? 

To whom was she married ? 

Where wds she taken ? 

How was she received in England ? 

In what was she instructed ? 

Wiiere did she die ? 

What family did she leave ? 

When was the cultivation of tobacco intro- 
duced ? 

How wa'? slavery introduced ? 

How Ji I the planters procure wives ? 

How did they jjay their passage ? 

What oiought the colony to the brink of 
ruin ? 

What ensued ? 

When was the charter forfeited ? 

How njaoy [)ersons had emigrated ? 

How many remained ? 

-^§^^ 

I.^5SCJJ^' IV. 

SETTLEMENT >F THE NORTHERN 
COLONIES. 

NEW- YORK. 

In 1614 the Dutch settled New-York anc 
New-Jersey, and called the country New- 
Netherlands. 4 



2S SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 4. 

A few years afterwards the Swedes settled 
on several parts east and west of Delaware 
river, and kept possession till 1654, when 
thty were overpowered by the Dutch. 

Charles il. resolvin.2^ to assert his right to 
this territory, orpanted to his hiot.ier, the 
Duke oi York, the region extending- Irom the 
west bank of the Conin cticut river to the 
eastern shore of tiie Delaware This h.ap- 
pened in 1664 Colonel ^icho!s was sent 
with four hisates am' thiee hundred soldiers, 
to reduce tne country » I'he Dutch governor 
being unable to make resistance, the New- 
Netherlands submitted to the British crown, 
and Nichols immediately entered upon the 
exercise of his power as Deputy-goveriiu^- of 
New- ■ ork, for the Duke of York, afterwards 
James II. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

The particular cause of the settlement of 
Massachusetts was the persecution carried 
on in England, on account of religious 
©pinions. The principles of tolerati. n, now 
so generally practised, were then imperfectly 
"dp^^^ood ; and since the genuine principles 

C htistlf'.nity are now more fully Unown, 

;s to be hoped that such transactions will 

t be repeated. 

The government of England required a 
^ nitki observance of the rites established, and 



Less. 4.] NORTHERN COLGNIEf 

enacted severe laws against non-( nibrmitj. 
The Puritans and Brownists, or Indepen- 
dents, were the most obnoxious, and these 
sects were often punished with rigour. — 
About 1608 a body of these people fled to 
Holland, and settled under Mr. Robinson, 
th ir pastor. The circumstances of their 
embarUation for Holland are exceedingly 
affecting. The captain of a Dutch ship had . 
been engaged to Vakq them away privately. 
[t was a cold and rainy night when they 
assembled on the beach, where men, women, 
and children, were forced to suffer the " pelt- 
ings of the piti ess storm" for two hours, be- 
fore the ti'ie woidd permit the Dutch captain 
to send a l)oat on shore for tht- m. At length 
the tide served, the boat was sent ashore, and 
deeply laden, but in the hurry of embarka- 
tion, care had not been taken to prevent the 
separation of families, and before these were 
safely on board the ship, the officers of 
government came down and arrested the re- 
mainder. Husbands and wives, parents and 
chiiiiren, were separated — some were drag- 
ged to prison, many did not meet for years 
ensuing, and some never met again.* 

After some years these unfortunate people 
became dissatisfied with their residence in 
Holland, and resolved to remove to the wxlds 



* Webster's Di?c'cti.iv«f^ 



so SETTLEiMENT OP THE [LcSS. 4, 

of America. Their first object was to obtain 
the free exercise of their religion. Though 
king James refused so reasonable a request, 
he pronii ed not to molest them while they 
remained peaceable subjects. ' hi this blen- 
der security, they a.; plied to the ? ondon 
Company for a tract of land, which was 
readily obtained 

They intended to settle on Hudson river, 
but the captain of thf vessel, !>ribed, it is said by 
the Dutch, carried them so far to the north that 
the first land they saw was ('ape Cod. To 
proceed farther was impossible ; the winter 
had already commenced, and they were worn 
down with the fatigue and hardships incident 
to a long voyage. They chose for their 
station a place called by the Indians Patuxet, 
to which they gave t:-e name of New-Ply- 
mouth. Before spring one half of their num- 
ber were cut off by famine and disease. 

On the 22d of December, 1620, these pil- 
gruns, to the number of 101, landed in the 
new world. The anniversary of their landing 
is still observed by their descendants, and a 
discourse delivered on the occasion. 

The government of England, growing still 
itiore oppressive, under the counsels of Arch- 
bishop r.p.ud, and the number and zeal of the 
Puritans mcreasing, many began to look to- 
wiirds New-England as a place of refuge 
cm perse Gtiti©nv An association was form- 



Less. 4.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 31 

ed for settling a colony near Massachusetts 
Bay. A tract of land was purchased f-'om 
the P' mouth Council in 1627, and a charter 
graiitid by <%ing (''varies tlse followinsr year. 
In 1629. nearly 300 Puritans landed in 
Salem Their first care was to form them- 
selves into a chuv'Ch, on the r-on^retr tional 
jDlan. Amon^ the emi^^rants there were a 
few who preierred the rituals "f the church 
of England ; and with an inconsistency not 
uncommon to imps *ect hunjan jtanire, the 
Independents denied to others the privileges 
for which they had braved the perils of the 
ocean, and established themselves in a distant 
and barbarous land. 

Theological controversies arose, and many 
persons deemed heretical were banished the 
territory. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

When, and by whom, was New- York 
settled ? 

Where had the Swedes a settlement ? 

How lona: did they keep possession ? 

What grant was made to the Dul-e of York ? 

Who was Sf nt to reduce the country ? 

What was the cause of the settlement of 
Massachusetts ? 



32 SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 5. 

What did the government of England re- 
quire ? 

How were the Puritans treated ? 

Relate tiu: circuustaiices of their embark- 
ation ior : iollaud ? 

VV hv did t iiey resolve to re move to America? 

What was tfiei • tirst obji*;*t ? 

What promise was made to them by king 
James ? 

Where did they intend to land 1 

Why were taey carried iartiier to the 
north ? 

VV hat land was first seen ? 

Where did tiiey land ? 

How many were they in number ? 

What occasioned their sufferings ? 

How man) died during the winter ? 

What occasioned the settlement of the 
colo!;v of iassachusetts Bay ? 

W'tk-.iLi was a tra^'t of land purchased ? 

When was a charter obtained ? 

How many Puritans landed at Salem ? 

In wiiat year ? 

What gave rise to religious controversies ? 

E NORTHRKN COL NIES CON^ 
TllNUED. 

RHODE-ISLAND. 

. 3ger Williams, a clergyman, beinsr oMig- 
leave Massachusetts on account of hh 



Less. 5.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 33 

religious opinions, trayelled southward, with 
several of his adherents In 1634 he re- 
ceived a arrant of land from the Indians, 
which from a sense of the protecting rare of 
God, he called Providence. t)ther emi- 
grants afterwards settled on Rhode-Island i 
and i'i 16 Providence and Rhode-Island 
were incorporated as one government by 
Charles 11 Thus was laid the foundation of 
another state. 

CONNECTICUT. 

To similar causes is owing the settle- 
ment of Connecticut. About 100 families, 
with their favourite minister, Mr. Hooker, 
of Massachusetts, after a fatiguing march 
through the woods and swamps, settled on 
the east side of Connecticut river, and laid 
the foundation of * artford, Springfield, and 
Weathersfield Two distinct claims were 
made upon this territory, one by the Dutch, 
and t!ie other by Lord Say and Seal, and 
Lord Brook. These noblemen had ta- 
ken possession by building a fort, which, 
from their united names, they called Say- 
brook. 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE. 

Mr. Wheelwright, a clergyman of some 
note, having by his opposition to tne church 



34 SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 5. 

g'overnment of Massachusetts, been banished 
the colony, took a route different from that of 
the other exiles, and founded the town of 
Exeter, on a small river which flow- into 
Piscataqua bay. Trjus commenced the set- 
tlement of New- Hampshire. 

Attempts w.-re made to colonize VJaine as 
earlv as 1607, hut no peraiajit^nt settlejuent 
was etfecte«J until 1635, when Sir Ferdinand 
Gorges obtained a .ij;Tant of this territory. — 
Upon the death of Gorges, the peopie com- 
bined, and formed a constitution upon libv ral 
principles, by which they were govcin^d until 
the) submitted to Massachusetts, in 1652. 
Maine then took the name of Yorkshire, 
having liberty to send deputies to the general 
court at Boston, 

By extending their settlements, the Eng- 
lish became exposed to serious dangers. — 
The Indians round Massachusetts' Bay hav- 
ing received what r f^} considr>ied du tqui- 
valent for thei'- lands, gave no indications of 
hostility's ; but Rhode- Island and Connecti- 
cut soon had to encounter a numerous and 
powerful foe. 

The native inhabitants, by us improperly 
called Indians, were divided into many dis- 
tinct nations or tribes. Among the most 
powerful were the Narragan^ets and the Pe- 
quods. The latter alone were able to bring in- 



Less. 5.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 35 

to the field a thousand warriors. These 
had long been at war with the Narragan- 
sets ; but foreseeing the extinction of their 
race, it the Kuropeans were suffered to spread 
over the country, they applied to the Nar- 
rauansets, requesting them to forget old ani- 
mosities, ajid unite to expel the common 
enemy. 

The Narragansets perceiving in this an 
opportunity to cru>h a powerful rival, instead 
of accepting the offer of fuendship, discovered 
the design of the Pequodj^ to tlie governor of 
Ma'.sachusett>, and jojnea in alliance with 
the English Long and bU^ody wars ensued, 
but as the colonies increased in numi er, and 
extended in territory, the uncivilized savage 
fell before the superior skill of their inva- 
ders, and in a few years many powerful na- 
tions were totally extirpated. 

While the settlers were thus lessening 
the number of the ancient inhabitants, they 
were daily receiv. - an addition to their 
own. In the year L.38 nearly 3,000 people 
embarked for New- England ; but on a revo- 
lution taking place in the government of 
England, the motives to emigration which 
actuated the early settlers entirely ceased. 
At this period upwards of twenty-one thou- 
sand British subjects had settled in New- 
England. 



36 SOUTHERN AND [LcSS. 5. 

QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

Who was the founder of Rhode- Island ? 

On what account did he leave Massachu- 
setts ? 

From whom did he receive a grant of 
land r 

What did he call, the town ? 

When were Providence and Rhode-Island 
incorporated ? 

Describe the settlen^ient of C-onnecticut. 

What towns were founded ? 

What claims were made upon the terri- 
tory ? 

Where did Mr. Wheelright settle ? 

Why.? 

When was Maine settled i 

Under whom ? 

When united to Massachusetts ? 

Under what name ? 

With what privilege ? 

What principal Indian nations are men- 
tioned ? 

What is said of them ? 

What ensued ? 

How did the colonies increase ? 

How many persons embarked in 1638 ? 

What effect had the revolution in Eng- 
land .'^ 

How many British subjects had settled in 
America ? 



r 



Less. 6.] MIDDLE eTATEjI. 57 

LESSON VX. 
SOUTHERN AND MIDDLE STATES. 



Many remarks of the New-England colo- 
nies will appls to the middle and southern ter- 
ritories ; our notice of them, therefore, will 
-^ be brief Virginia and New- York have been 
already mentioned : these were the oldest 
settlements, and together with Massachusetts, 
have continued to hold an iiiipoitant rank in 
the Union. 

Maryland began to be settled in 1633, b}^ 
a colony of Roman Catholics, under Lord 
Baltnnore. Governor ( alvert, brother to 
Baltimore, purchased the land of the Indians, 
anti, with their consent, took possession of the 
town, which he called St. Mary's. 

The country was settled with ease. The 
plan of the government was liberal, and free 
toleration was established The settlers ap- 
plied themselves to the cultivation of tobacco, 
and the country soon became flourishing and 
populous. 

Carolina was taken possession of by a 
company of French Protestants, who fled 
from persecution, and settled themselves near 
Albemarle river. This colony was soon ex- 
tirpated bvthe Spaniards. In 1662, Charles 
7> 



•>S SOUTHER.X AliD [LcSS. 6. 

II. grantecl the country to Earl Clarendon- 
and seven other noblemen ; and in 1669 the 
proprietors sent over a number of settlers, 
who fixed their residence at the place where 
Charleston now stands. 

A constitution was formed for this settle- 
ment by the celebrated Mr. l.ocke ; hut, 
though ingenious in theory, it was found in- 
applicable to the state of the countr}, and at 
last totally chanued. This colony was long- 
in an unsettled and unprosperous state ; the 
people were harrassed by the Indians, and in- 
vaded by the Spaniards and French. They 
suffered mi:ch by famine and disease ; and in 
1719 tiie proprietors gave up their claim, and 
the colony became a royal government In 
1728 the country ^was divided into North and 
South Carolina. ■ 

In 1G64, the Duke^f York disposed of 
New-Jersey to Lord Berkley and Sir George 
Garter ? The plan of government was libe- 
ral, and the colony soon became flourishing. 
The proprietors divided their propert} by a 
line running north and south : lience the 
names of East and West Jersey, in 1722 
the province became a royal government. 

Pennsylvania was next settled, ■■y V\ ilham 
Penn, a Quaker, who obtained a grant of 
land from Charles II. in 1680. He did not 
ti/Fit a charter Ijr^^m 4jsy prince could give a 



Less. 6] MIDDLS STATES. 39 

fair title to the laud : he therefore purchased 
the right of soil from the natives, and intro- 
duced into his settlement the most liberal plan 
of goyern'nent. He allowed full liberty of 
conscience, and granted land to settlers on 
casv terms. By this means the colony soon 
became the most flourishing of any in 
America. 

The settlement of Delaware commenced 
in 1627, with a colony of Swedes and Finns. 
About the time that Pennsylvania was 
settled by William Penn, he purchased the 
territory of Delaware from the Duke of 
York. 

The proprietary government continued 
until the commencement of the American 
Revolution. 

In 173? i.e ract of land between the Sa- 
vanna;; hud Altamaha rivers, afterwards cal- 
Icil <^eo gia, was granted to a number of 
gei'.tlemen bv .lames II. and the settlement 
or Geogia was begun under Mr. Oglethorpe. 
It was long before this colony attained to 
population or strength, owing to the imprac- 
ticable system of government established by 
the proprietors. In 1752 they surrendered 
their charter to the king ; but it was not until 
the peace between England and France, in 
1763, that the province began to prosper. - 
Since that time it has rapidly increased. 



4(g^ MivMifi Ai\D [Legs. il. 

We have now taken a brief survey of the 
thirteen original colonies, which afterwards 
became independent states. Many others 
have been successively added to the number, 
which will be mentioned in their proper 
places. 

h 



^UESflOWF. FOR EXAMINATiOl^. 



Why will ournotice of the Southern states 
be brief ? 

Which staties have been mentioned ? 
What is said of them ? 
When and by whom was Maryland set- 
tled r 

What is said of the country ? 
To what did the settlers apply themselves ? 
Who first took possession of ( arolina ? 
What became of this Colony ? 
T'- -vhom was the country granted f 
;n ? 

;ji was it settled ? 
t is said of the constitution ? 
t iu iaid of the state ol this colony ? 



Less. 7.3 MIDDLE STATES. 41 

How did the Duke of York dispose ©f 
New-Jersey ? 

What was the plan of government ? 

How was it divided 1 

What colony was next settled ? 

How did V\ illiam Penn obtain the land ? 

By what means did the colony become 
flou ishin^ ? 

H hen and by whom was Delavirare set- 
tled ? 

How long did the proprietary government 
continue ? 

When and by whom was Georgia settled ? 

What is said of it ? 

Of vv^hat have v^^e now taken a survey ? 



Z.SSSGN VII. 

PROGRESS OF LITERATURE IN THE 
COLONICS. 



The early settlers of \merica were not in- 
attentive to the interests of literature. Many 
of them were men of learning, and next to 
the enjoyment of their religious libertv, they 
B 2 ^ ' * 



42 PROGRESS ©P LITERATURE [LeC3.7. 

seemed to prize their literarv institutions. 
In 1636, the le^•islature of Massachusetts 
Toted 400/. for the estahlishmen^ of a public 
school at Newtovvu. Two years afterward, 
that sum was nearl= dt.u led. by a bequest of 
the Rev John Harvard of Charlestown. Thus 
endowed, the school was e erted info a col- 
lege, and Newtown, out of respect to the 
University of England, where many of the 
emig: ants were eiiucated, was called Cam- 
bridge. Thus was laid the foundation of 
Harvard University. 

Some years afterward, absiilding was rect- 
ed for an Indian college, in which several of 
the natives entered, but only one remained 
long enough to obtain academical honours. 
As a further compensation for the injuries sus- 
tained by them from the encroachment on 
their lands, and consequent diminution of the 
means of supportina: life, the llev. Mr. Elliot, 
a r ious minister, of Roxbury, translated the 
B'ble into their own lani.'-uage, and had it 
printed at the expense of a society esta tlished 
for the spreading of religion. He also com- 
posed for them a primer, a grammar, and a 
book of psalms, and was the means of open- 
ing schools in the Indian settlements, where 
children were instructed, not only in their 
own language, but in the English, (rree^ , and 
JfiVdm, TkuS the light oi the blessed gospel 



Less. 7.] IN THE COtOKIES. 

and the means of education, were diffused 
in a heathen land. 

The education of children seems to have 
been reco^nizeci from the be^inninij of the 
respective settlements, as the indispensable 
duly of parents and masters. Laws were 
made, in some of the coloniCvS, for the express 
purpose of compelling all f)arents to have their 
child en instructed '' so as to be able to read 
the Scriptures, and other grood and profitable 
books in the Knglish tongue "^' The neglect 
of t!)is duly subjected to a penalty of twenty 
shiliing-s for the first, afterwards higher, or 
their children were to betaken fro«\^*'theni, 
and put under the care of others. 

The f.-op.^ins Grammar School is the old- 
est literary institution in ( onnecticut. It 
was ibunded in 1654, with a ' equest from 
governor Hopkins. ^'" illiam and Mary Col- 
lege, in Virginia, was founded in 1693, and 
Yale Colle-e, at vSaybrook, in 1700. Six- 
teen years afterward it was removed to New- 
Haven, where it became one of the most 
flourishiuii institutions in Amerira 

In 1769, [Dartmouth College, handsomely 
endowed by the Earl of Dartmouth, was es- 
tablished on ( onnecticut River, in the town 
of Hanover In New- Jersey, a college was 

•'•Laws of Conneeticnt, 1656. 



44 PROeHESS OP LITERATURE [LcSS. 7. 

founded at Princeton in 1738, and another at 
Brunswick in 1746. 

Kin 's College (now Columbia) was found- 
ed ill New-YopK, in 1754, and Providence 
College, (now Brown University,) in Khode- 
Islamf, in 1764. 

These were all respectaMe institutions be- 
fore the Revolution ; in them a sufficient num- 
ber of voung men received a classical educa- 
tion, to fill the learned professions with repu- 
tation, and to be the instructors of youth. In 
New- Kn gland, paiticularly, learning was 
more generally diffiis^^d, and common schools 
established on a more liberal foundation than 
in any other country oC the world. 

The first printing press was established at 
Cambridge, in Massachusetts, in 1639, and 
superintended by Stephen Daye, but erected 
at the expense of Mr. Glover, an English 
clergyman. 

The first newspaper was the " Boston 
J^ewsletter^''^ pu )lished at Boston as early as 
1714. In 1729, V\illiam Bradford published 
the Weekly Macrazine in Philadelphia. The 
.American Philosophic tl Society was instituted 
at Philadelphia, in 17^)9, and that rit, also 
claims the honour of having publisl ed the 
first edition of the Bible, and the fir-t Greek 
book printed in merica. Among other emi- 
nent men whose names e^ive interest to the 



Less. 7.] IN THE COLONIES. 4S 

p»ge of American history, we may reckon 
Dr. Benjamin Franklin. He was born in 
Boston, of creditable [^arents, but oi' narrow 
fortune. By the single force of untutored 
»enius, he rose fo the hia^hest emiinMice in 
science, arts, and literature. His discoveries 
i^ electricity alone are sufficient to transmit 
his name to the latest posterity. 

No count? y in the world o.nn trace her ori- 
gin 'v\fb equal certainty as America. The 
cari) ai.-toi y oi' almost all othe+ nations is in- 
volved in fa )le, buf here our infancy is too 
recent to leave room for doubt or speculation* 
We can look >ac!< to the period when this 
•milirjtr land, now coveied with plenty, wiiere 
ag iculture and science walk hand in hand 
towards pertectioii, was adesolate wilderness, 
inhabited only b\ wild beasts and rude and 
savage men. When we trace the progress 
of improvement, from the landing ol'our pil- 
grim ancestors to the present J ighly prosper- 
ous and cultivated state, we mus! gratefully 
acknowledge the ' oun<y ot that Proviijence, 
wiio has led us from our iniancy to man- 
hood. 

The hand of perservinir industry, under the 
blessini; of heaven, has turned the barren 
wilderness into a fruitful field, and made the 
dt;sert literally ^'blossom a$ the rose.^^ 



46 PRe<3REr!? <jp LITERATURE [LcSS. 7. 

Several iifsefMl inventions have also origi- 
nated in AniciiCH The electrical conductor 
of Franklin, the planetarium of U'ittenbouse, 
and Godfrey's quadrant, wer« all f)revioiis to 
the revolution. 

The families of U inthrop and Mather were 
distinguished among the first inhabitants of 
New- ^^nsiland for their general abilities. Of 
ttic latter, ( otton Mather was the most con- 
spicuous. His Magnalia, published in the 
beginning of the last century, is a curious 
work, and interesting to the scholar, as con- 
taining the early history of New-England, 
blended with much of the superstition of the 
age. 

As a botanist, Doctor Clayton, of Virginia, 
was deservedly celebrated. His " Flor.i Vir^ 
ginrrti^'' published at Leyden, in 1762, anks 
hifn ainoM/ the most industiious enlargers of 
ihe hotanica' catalogue. 

In 1734, Mr Loaan. of ^ennsylv nia, 
tran'^'dted Cicero's tieatise on Old '" ^-^e whick 
was pri'ited bv Or. F an lin. in the preface, 
FtauNhn says, "this is the first translation 
made from the ancient classics, in the new 
world;'''' butthis was a mistake, as Mr. Sandys, 
treasurer of the Virginia Company, translated 
Ovid's Metamorphoses more than a century 
before. This was the oldest Hterary produc- 
tion in America. 



Less. 7.] IN THE COLONIES, 47 

QUESTIONS FOH EXAMINATION. 



What is said of the first settlers of 
America ? 

What gTant was made by the Legislature 
of Massachusetts ? 

How was the fund increased ? 

V^ hat did the school become ' 

Why vvas Newtown railed C'ambrid're ? 

What building- was afterwards eiecled ? 

How did it succeed ? 

What is said of the labours of Mr. Elliot ? 

AVhat works did he compose ? 

What did he establish ? 

V^ hat were the children tauarht ? 

What duty of parents were early recog- 
Tiized in the colonies ? 

How was it enforced ? 

When and by whom was the Hopkins 
grammar school I bunded ? 

When was William and Mary College 
founded ? 

Yale College ? 

Dartmouth College ? 

What Colleges were established in New- 
Jersev ? 

When ? 

W^hea was King's College founded ? 



48 QUESTIONS 70» EXAMIKATIOK. [LeSS. S. 

What is it now called ? 
What College was established in Rhode- 
liland ? 
When ? 

What is said of the progress of learning in 
New- England ? 

^Vhen and where was the first printing 
press establish ied ? 

VV here was the first newspaper printed ? 
What Society originated at Philadelphia ? 
What books were printed thert- 1 
Whei^e was Dr Frankhii born ? 
What is said of him ? 
V\ hat is said of the history of America ? 
To what can we look back ? 
What must we acknowledge ? 
What inventions originated in the colo- 
nies f 

What is said of Cotton Mather ? 
Of Dr. Clajton ? 
Of Mr Logan r 

What is the oldest literary production in 
America ? 



I.3E5S«o irtxx. 

INDIAN AND FRENCH WARS. 

We have already glanc d at the dangers to 
which the colonies were exposed from the 
hostility of the Indian tribes. 



Less. 8.] INDIAN AND FRENCH WARS 49 

Philip, the chief of the Massoit tribe, was 
one of the principal warriors. He attacked 
the settlement at Massachusetts in 1675, and 
was vigorously opposed by Col Church. 
After a bloody contest of more than a year, 
Philip was killed by the treachery of one of 
his own men, the Indians were vanquished, 
and the powerful nation of the iViiissoits en- 
tirely dispersed. 

The ancient rivalship of France and Eng- 
land extended to America The French had 
made settlements in Canada and Nova-Scotia, 
and, when the mother countries were at war, 
the colonies of each took a part in the contest. 
In 1692, the French from Canada, assisted by 
the Indians, made an irruption into the colony 
of New- York, burned the town of Schenec- 
tady, and massacred the inhabitants. From 
1702 to 1713, f-equent inroads were made by 
the French and Indians — villages were burn- 
ed, the inhabitants plundered and inhuman- 
ly murdered, or dragged into captivity hi the 
wilderness. The savage warfare spared 
neither age nor sex, and mothers and their 
helpless otFspring often weltered in blood 
together. 

To expel the French from Canada and 

Nova-Scotia, was a favourite measure in 

New-England. A small body of troops Irom 

Massachusetts succeeded in reducin^: Ijouis- 

E 



50 COiMMENCEMENT OF [LeSS. 8. 

burg, the capital of Cape Breton — a service 
which gave great advantage to Britain in the 
contest with France. 

Peace was soon after made, but was of 
short continuance. Some disputes between 
the 0'>io company and the French traders 
in the vicinity of the Ohio river, led to a re- 
newal of hostilities. It was in this contest 
that t e talents and virtues of V\ ashington 
began to be exhibited. The Governor of 
Virginia v/ished to eniT»loy a proper person to 
carry a lettei to the French conjuondant on 
the Ohio, demanding the reasons of his hos- 
tile coih'iuct. Tiiis ar luous eiittrjirire was 
intrusted toGeorge Washington, then a youth 
of little more than 21 years of age. The 
distance was four hundred miles, two hun- 
dred of which was through a wilderness, in- 
habited by hostile savages. On the way his 
horse failed. On foot, with only on<- com- 
panion, with a musket in his hand, an«^ a pack 
upon his shoulders, W reac^td the FVench 
fort ou tfie river Le P>oenf and gave the let- 
ter to the commander. He returned in safety, 
as fatiguing and perilous a journey as 
ossible to conceive. The next year is 
j'uished for the disastrous defeat of Gen. 
lock. He had been sent from Ireland 
ginia with two regiments of foot He 
)rave, but imprudent. Despising the 



Less. 8.] INDIAN AND FRENCH WARS. 51 

counsel of Washington, who acted as his aid- 
de-camp, he rushed forward to attack fort 
Du Quesiie, till he was suddenly attacked by 
400 ludianh, who laid in ambush, ' A total 
defeat ensued ; and Braddock, mortally 
wounded, iam*^nted too late, that he had not 
listtnt d to tije prudt nt advice ol the brave, 
but sagacious Washington. In this batdt; he 
had two horses shot under him, and four bul- 
lets passed throu-h iis coat , but >od iiad 
desiifned him to oe the future saviour of his 
country, and he was not sutFered to receive 
any hurt. 

The defeat of Braddock was followed by 
the expedition of Gov. Shirley, of Massachu- 
setts, wiiich was equally unsuccesstul ; and 
Oswego was taken by the French, under 
General Montcalm, 

In 1739 the British wer^- every ere suc- 
cessful. The inujortant post of Niuj^ara 
wa:j taken ny Sir William Johnson, r.u.: rhe 
reduction of Quebec attempted by General 
Wolfe 

T);is illustrious British Officer tell b'fore 
the walls of* Quebec in tne moment of victory. 
Stru^-^linij;- m the agonies of death, he lurard 
a voice cry, '*they run ;" he as esj, wno run ? 
and, beiniftold the French, he replied, '' i die 
happy, ' and be spoke no more. Quebec 



62 INDIAN AND [LcSf. S. 

immediately surrendered, and the whole pro- 
vince of Canada was reduced the following 
year. 

After the war had raged nearly eight years, 
it was concluded in 1763, 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION, 



At what have we already glanced ? 

What principal Indian warrior is mention- 
ed ? 

What finally became of him and his nation ? 

Where had the French made settlements? 

What town wa> burned in 1692 ? 

What occurred from 1702 to 1613 ? 

What is the characteristic of savage war- 
fare ? 

What was a favourite measure in New- 
England ? 

Desciibe the expedition to Cape Breton ? 

What occasioned a renewal of the war ? 

When did Washington begin his military 
career ? 

On what service was he employed ? 



Less. 9.] FRENCH WARS. )t63 

What was the distance ? 
How did iiC travel 1 

For \^hat is the next year distinguished ? 
What is ^aid of Braddock ? 
How was he attacked f 
What ensued X 
What did Braddock lament ? 
What is said of WashinL-ton ? 
What followed the defeat of Braddock ? 
When was Niagara taken, aud Quebec at- 
tempted 1 

Who fell before Quebec ? 
What is said of the death of Wolfe ? 
What took place the following year ? 
When was peace concluded ^ 



LSSSOI^ IX. 



CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN 
REVOLUTION. 



The attempts of the British government to 
encroach upon the rights of the colonies, and 

E2 



54^ CAUSES OP THE [LcSS. 9. 

particularly to raise a revenue in America 
without her consent, were the immediate 
causes of the American Revolution. 

The colonists had fled to America for the 
enjoyment of tht^ir civil and religious privi- 
leges, and the same detemlnecl opposition to 
arbitral y power, which induced them to brave 
the pt-rils o: the pathless orean, to seek an 
asylum lor iiberty, prompted their descend- 
ants to resist the first invasioiis of then na- 
tural rights. 

During their infancy, Great Britain re- 
garded her colonies as Djcre instruments of 
commerce, and contented herself with a 
monopoly of their trade. Kut, when the 
colonies had grown more capable of resisting 
impositions, she cbanued the system under 
which they had lon^ flourished, and rose in 
her demands, as she multiplied their re- 
straints. 

It was in 1761 that the fundamental rights 
of the American colonies viv^re first openly 
and boldly proc!\iined, and Massachusetts 
has the honour of bein^ the first province in 
which resistance to the British ministry was 
publicly avowed. * 

* For a knovvledge of the facts connected with 
this avovvcii,the compiler is indebted to Tudov'ss Life 
of James Otis, politely communicated bv the Rev, 
F. C. Schaeffer. * 



Less. 9.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 5o 

In 1 760, an order in council arrived from 
Great Britian, directing the officers of the 
customs to carry into effect certain acts of 
trade, which bore hard upon the commerce 
of the colonies, and to a]»p]y to the Supreme 
Judicature of Massachusetts for writs of as- 
sistance. 

Application was accordingly made to the 
Supreme < ouitthen sitting- at Salem. 

Chief Justice ^'iewall expressed great 
doubts of the legahty of the writ ; but as the 
application was on the part of the crown, it 
could not be dismissed without a hearing, 
which was fixed for the next term. 

Beibre that period arrived, Chief Justice 
Sewall died, and was succeeded by Lieut. 
Governor fiutchinson, thus uniting, in one 
person, the offices of Lieut. Governor, com- 
mander of the castle, Judge of Probate, and 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The 
officers of the customs called upon James 
Otis ; as Advocaie-gent^ral, to argue their 
cause, hut believing the writs to be tyrannical 
and ii]ea:al, he lelused ; and disdaining to 
hold an office where he might be called upon 
to assist in oppressing his countrymen, he 
resigned his vj^ry lucrative situation as advo- 
cate-general for the crown. 

Li February, 1761, the cause was argued 
in Boston ; and on this occasion James Otis, 



CAUSBS OF THE [LcSS. 9, 

forward, without fees, to advocate 
ghts oi' the merchants, made his 
the writs of assistance. 

in an ar?:'i;Tient ol fou ^ or five hours in 
lenjTth, helaif^ iown the principles of rivil 
liberty, and especially, that meat maxim, that 
taxation without representation is tyrauny. 
" Then and there," says president Adams, 
" Amf-i! an Independence was horn. 'IK- en 
and there, was the first scene in the first act 
of opposition ' » t';e arf itrary clai'ns of Great 
Britaij! Kvery man, of an inim nse and 
crowded audience, seemed to uo away as I 
did, ready to take up arms agamst writs of 
assistance," Mr Adams adds, in another 
place, " f do i-ay in the most solemn man- 
ner, that Mr. * Otis' oration against writs of 
assistance, breathed into this country the 
breath of lif^ " 

In 1765 vvas passed the celebrated Stamp 
Act. by which the Americans were compelled 
to use stamped paper for all notes, bonds, and 
other legal instruments, on which paper a 
duty w\s to be paid. This act gave g-rtat 
offence, and raised the spirit ot opposition td 
a height heretofore unexpected. In the legis- 
lature ot Virginia, an animated speech was 
delivered by VI r. Patrici Henry, and a num- 
ber of patriotic resolutions passed. In Mas- 



Less, S.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 5t 

sachusetts, the legislature passed a resolution 
in favour of a continental congress, fixed a 
day for its meeting in New- York, and sent 
letters to the speakers of other assemblies, 
requesting their concurrence. 

The fi.st continental congress assembled 
accordingly, and agreed on a declaration of 
their rights, and a statement ot their grie- 
vances. 

The general aversion to the Stamp Act 
was demonstrated in a variety of ways — asso- 
ciations were formed against importing or 
using British goods ; and in order to avoid 
using stamped paper, the courts of justice 
were shut up, and people settled their con- 
troversies by arbitration. The Stnmp Act 
was repealed in 1 766, but the next year a 
duty was laid on tea, glass, paper, and majij 
other articles much used by the Americans. 

This occasioned so great disturbances, 
that in 1770 a Parliamcntar) repeal took' 
place, except three pence pec pound on tea. 

The duty was still disagreeable to the 
Americans, who seemed inflexibly resolved 
to admit no compromise with their rights. In 
1773 the people of Boston, who were deter-, 
mined nor. to pay the taxes, employed aome 
persons to go in disguise on board some ships 
belonging to the East India company, and 



58 CAUSES OF THE [LcsS 9. 

throw all the tea over-board. This enkin- 
dled the resentment of the parliament, which 
they expressed the next year by shutting the 
port of Boston, and ruining the trade of that 
flourishing town. 



—^OS- 



QUESTIONS FOE EXAMIN4TI0N. 



What were the immediate causes of the 
Revolution ? 

For what had the colonistsfled to America? 

How had Great Britain regarded her plan- 
tations 1 

When did she change hei system, and rise 
ib her dema?ids 1 

Whea were the rights of the colonic s first 
opeiily advocated ? 

By whom ' 

On what occasion ? 

By w!iom was chief justice Sewall suc- 
ceeded .? 

\\ hat offices did Hutchinson sustain? 

"What says President Adams ? 



Less. 10.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION 59 

What does he remark in another place ? 

When was the Stamp Act passed 1 

How was it received by the colonies ? 

W hen was the first continental Congress 
convened 1 

On what did they agree 1 

What associations were formed ? 

flow was the use ot stamped paper avoid- 
ed .? 

When was the act repealed ? 

V\ hat duty was imposed the next year ? 

What is .-^aid o! tht- repeal P 

How did the people ot" Boston express 
their <lisapprouati(.>ii o< tlie liuty on tea ^ 

\\ i^at effect had this on the British parlia- 
ment ^ 

How did they express their resentment ? 



COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 

Among other aggressions, of which the 
colonists complained, was the stationing of a 
military lorce among the inhabitants. This 



^0 COMMENCEMENT OP [LcSS. 1^. 

in some instance** led to Moodshed, particu- 
larly on the night of the 5th of March, 177Q, 
when a party of the military firt d upon and 
killed several of the inhabitants, w!\o had pre- 
viously insulted, threatened, and attacked 
them. 

In times of popular commotion, it is not to 
be expected but that excesses will be commit- 
ted on both aides. The mihtary were often 
insulted by the people they were sent to 
overawe ; and on this occasion, after an im- 
partial trial, the actors in this fatal tragedy 
were acquitted. 

The event made, nevertheless, a deep im- 
pression on the minds of the people ; and the 
anniversary was solemnly observed for many 
years. 

After the destruction of the tea, parliament 
seemed resolved to bring the colonies to sub- 
jection. The charter of the colony was new 
modelled, so that the executive government 
was taken wholly from the hands of the peo- 
ple, and the nomination of all important offi- 
ces vested in the crown, it was enacted also, 
that any person indicted for a capital offence 
migbt be removed to another colony, or even 
to England, for trial. Propert}, liberty, and 
lif(p. wppf» +v.ii^ w,iKio.ntoj iQ the caprice of the 
id right of trial by jury, 
, wantonly invaded. 



Less. 10.] HOSTILITIES. 61 

Affairs now approached the crisis, and the 
awful collision drew near. The apparent 
disposition of the people, and their military 
preparations, induced Gen. Gage to fortify the 
isthmus which joins Boston to the main land, 
and seize the powder lodged in the arsenal at 
Charlestown. 

General Gage had been sent to Boston 
with the troops to enforce the new laws, and 
was theretbre particularly obnoxious to the 
people. 

The same year, deputies from most of the 
colonies met at Philadelphia, who approved 
the conduct of the people of Massachusetts, 
wrote a letter to General Gage, published a 
declaration of rights, formed an association 
not to import or use British goods, sent a 
petition to the king of Great Britain, an 
address to the inhabitants of that king*- 
dom, another to the inhabitants of Canada, 
and another to the inhabitants of the colo- 
nies. 

In the beginning of the next year was passr 
cd the Fishery Bill, by which the northern 
colonies were forbidden to fish on the ban^s 
of Newfoundland for a certain time. This 
bore hard upon the commerce of thqge colo- 
nies, which were chiefly siippoiit^l by th- 
iisherie?. 



62 COMMENCEMENT OF [LcSS. 10. 

Soon after, another bill was passed, which 
restrained the trade of the southern and 
middle colonies to Great Britain and the 
West India Islands, except on certain con- 
ditions. 

These repeated acts of oppression on the 
part of Great Britain, ahenated the affections 
of the colonies for the parent country, and 
produced a combined opposition to the 
system of British taxation. Active prepara- 
tions were now made to oppose, by force, the 
execution of these acts ot Parliament. The 
militia were trained to the use of arms, and 
great encouragement was given for the man- 
ufacture of gunpowder, and all kinds of mili^ 
tary stores. 

In February, Col. Leslie was sent with 
a party of British troops, to take posses- 
sion of some military stores at Salem. But 
the people had intelligence of the design, 
took up the draw-bridge, and prevented the 
troops from passing until the cannon were 
secured. 

In April, Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairn, 
were sent with a body of troops to destroy 
the military stores which had been collect- 
ed at Concord, about twenty ti.iles from 
Boston. At Lexington, the militia were 
collected to oppose the incursion of the. 



Less. 10.] HOSTILITIES. 6S 

British troops, and were fired upon, and 
eight men killed upon the spot. The militia 
were dispersed, and the troops proceeded 
to Concord, and destroyed the stores ; but 
on their return they were harassed by the 
Americans, who fired upon them from hou- 
ses and fences, and pursed them to Boston. 
The loss of the British was sixty-five killed, 
and two hun<ired and eight wounded and 
taken prisoners ; that of the Provincials was 
fifty killed, and thirty-eight wounded and 
missing. 

Thus the fatal blow was struck, and the 
first blood spilt in the memorable contest 
which severed America from the British 
empire, and gave her a rank among the na- 
tions of the earth. This took place on the 
19th of April, 1775. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

To what did the stationing of troops in the 
colonies sometimes lead .? 

What occurred on the 5th of March 1770 .? 

What impression did this event make on 
the people ? 

What did Parliament resolve ? 

^Vhat measures did Parliament pursue ? 



bVJ: BATTLE OF [LcSS. 11. 

What was enacted ? 

What place was fortified ? 

Why ? 

Who commanded the troops ? 

Where and when was the next Congress ? 

What measures did they pursue ' 

What act was next passed by the Parlia- 
ment f 

What effect had the fishery bill ? 

What other bill was passed ( 

What did these acts produce ? 

What manufacture was encouraged ? 

Where was Col. Leslie sent ? 

For what purpose ? 

Why did he not succeed ? 

What occasioned the battle t 

How many were killed ? 

How were the British harrass* 
return ? 

How many were killed ? 

How many wounded and taken \ 

How many did the Provincials Ic 

When did the battle of Lexing 
place ? 

rESSON XI. 

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

Intelligence of the battle at Lexington 
immediately dispersed throuj^h the coul 



Less. 11 ] BUNKER HILL. Qo 

and roused not only M ssachusetts, but all 
America. The Congress of Massachusetts, 
then in session at VVatertown, ten miles from 
Boston, voted that thirty thousand men 
should be raised in the New-England colo- 
nies^and in a short time an arm v was paraded 
in the vicinity of Boston, under the command 
of General Ward ; which, although it fell 
short of the prescribed number, was much 
superior in numbers to the royal troops. 

In the mean time, the forts, magazines, and 
arsenals, which, according to the constitution 
of the country, were in the keeping of his 
Majesty, were for the most part seized by 
the provincial militia. Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point, in both of which were royal 
garrisons, were surprised and taken by Cols. 
Allen and Easton. 

Provincial money, which had been collect-, 
ed for other purposes, was appropriated to 
the common cause, and arms and ammu- 
nition secured. Their funds, however, were 
small, and their troops undisciplined ; but 
they relied on mutual confidence for the ex- 
tension of the former, and on invincible cou- 
rage to supply the want of the latter. 

In May, the reinforcements arrived from 

England, with three British generals of high 

reputation, Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton. 

General Gage issued a proclamation, offering 

F2 



t>t> BATTLE OF [Less. 11. 

to the people the alternativ^e of submission or 
war, by offering pardon to all who would 
lay down their arms. From this offer of par- 
don, two distinguished patriots were excep- 
ted : viz. Samuel Adams and John Han- 
cock. 

About this time martial law was proclaimed, 
and as every appearance indicated open war, 
the Americans prepared t'oi- the result. 

A considerable height on the peninsula of 

Charlestown, named Bunker Hill, was so 

situated that its possession was of conse- 

ciupT^of^ Orders were therelore issued by 

incal commanders, on the 17th of 

at Col. Prescott, with a detachment 

men, should intrench ufion its sum- 

y some mistake in fulfilling the or- 

fortification was erected on Breed's 

h and large like the other, but situa- 

er Boston. 

VVitnsomuch diligence and silence was 

the work carried on, that between midnight 

and the dawn of day on the seventeenth of 

June, a redoubt was thrown up, forming a 

square of eight rods. Although the British 

vessels were lying very near, the troops on 

board of them had no intimation of the work 

until the rising sun beamed upon the newlr 

-drecteii fort. 



Less. 11.] BUNKER HILL. 



67 



An incessant firing immediately com- 
menced, but the provincials continued to 
labour until they had thrown up a small 
breast- work, from the east side of the re- 
doubt to the bottom of the hill. 

About noon i^enerai Gage detached gen- 
erals Howe and Pigot, with the flower of the 
British army, to drive the Americans from the 
hill. They landed at Morton's Point, and 
while they were advancing to the attack, 
orders were issued foi' burning Oharlestown. 
A few bombs were thrown from Cops Hill, 
and the town being built chiefl}' of wood, 
was soon enveloped in flames. 

A severe engagement ensued, in which the 
British were twice repulsed with great loss, 
but finally carried the fortification. Want of 
anj .lUuition compelled the Americans to re- 
treat, although they had suffered little loss, 
incomparisoH with the British. Among those 
whose loss the Americans deplored, was the 
biave General Waren, who fell in the action, 
a martyr to the cause of his country. Find- 
ing his corps hotl) pursued by the enemy, he 
despised all dangc, and stood alone before 
the ranks, endeavouring to rally his troops, 
and encourasre them by his example He 
pointed to their ensigns, and reminded them 
of their cheering mottos; " Fight on, m brave 
fellows," he exclaimed, " the salvation of your 



68 QUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 11. 

country depends on this day's action."* 
searcely were these wordi uttered, when this 
distinguished patriot received a mus:.et 
ball in the breast, and fell dead on the spot. 
The loss of the British, in killed, and wound- 
ed, amounted to one thousand and titty-tour. 
The provincials had one hundred and thirty- 
nine killed and two hundred and twenty-eight 
wounded. 

This was the first regular battle fought in 
the revtjiutionary war. General Putnam, of 
Connecticut, a brave and distinguished offi- 
cer, and Gen. Stark, of New- Hampshire, 
whose names v/ill be long remembered, v/ere 
both engaged in this action. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What was the eftect of the battle of Lex- 
ington ^ 

* The compiler's father has repeatedly assured her 
that these were the last words of Warren ; and his 
opportunity of knowing, leaves little room for doUbt, 
as he commanded the company which was then 
particularly addressed. 



E.X4MiK*T!0N. '1 

i 
vvnere was Congress m session ? ^ 

What did they vote ? 
Whf re was the army paraded ? 
How large was it ? \ 

What o-arrisons were seized by the pro- \ 

vincials ? 

What pieparations did the Americans j 

make ? ■{ 

What Brifish generals arrived in Boston ? I 

What proclamation was issued ? 
Who were exempted IVoni the offers of '{ 

pardon ? 

Where is Bunker Hill ? ] 

What orders were issued by the provincial 
commanders ? 

What mistake was made ? i 

How was the work carried on ? < 

Describe the fortification ? } 

Who were sent by general Gage ? ? 

Where (!id they land ? 
What town wps !>urned ? 
Describe the battle ? 
What distinguished officer fell ? 
Describe the circumstances of liis death ? J 

What was the loss ol' the British ( , 

What of the provincials 

What American officers were cngfaged in :| 

this action ? ] 



70 DECLARATION OF [LcSS. 12. 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

The next important event was the appoint- 
ment of General George Washington to the 
comman<i of the Atnerican army. The 
continental Congress had assembled on the 
tenth of May, and proceeded with their 
usual firmness and moderation. Once more 
they addressed the King, and the inhabitants . 
of Great Britain and Ireland, and at the 
same time published to the world their rea- 
sons for appealing to arms. " We art redu- 
ced," said they, " to the alternative of choo- 
sing an unconditional submission to the ty- 
ranny ol irritated ministers, or, resistance by 
force. The latter is our choice. We have 
counted the cost, and find nothing so dread- 
ful as voluntary slavery !" Tiie choice of 
General VV ash.ington lor a leader was unani- 
mous, and he accepted the appointment with 
a diffidence which was a proot of his pru- 
dence and his greatness. In subordination 
to the commander in chief, one adjutant-gen- 
eral and eight brigadier generals were ap- 
pointed. John Hancock, one of the pro- 
scribed patriots, was President of this Con- 
gress ; and among the officers which they 



Less. 12.] INDEPENDENCE. 71 

appointed were Oenerals Gates, Lee, Mont- 
goirierv, and Greene, all of whom were alter- 
wards distinsfuished actors in the great revolu- 
tionary contest 

General \ ashington arrived at Cambridge 
in July, and too: the command of thr army, 
consistiLu< of fourteen thousand men. The 
troops wpre in little subordination, and des- 
titute of ahnost every thing necessary to car- 
ry on a war. All the powder in the camp 
amounted only to nine rounds a usan. A few 
weeks afterwards, several British store ships 
were captured by New- England privateers, 
by which the Americans obtained a supply 
of powder, and many necessa; y articles. 

In October, Captain Mowatt, of the Bri- 
tish navy burned the town of Falniouth (now 
Portland) on Casco ''ay, and an expedition 
to Canada was undertaken by Montgomery 
and Arnold. On the 12th of November, 
General Montgomery passed on to Montre 
whieh being incapable of making efi'ecti 
resistance, was evacuated by the Brilis 
Here the Americans obtained a plentii'ul su 
ply of clothing, and in the river, took sevei 
hoQ.t^ loaded with ammunition and pioi 
sions. 

Abo It the same time, Colonel Arnol 
with one thousand men, detached from tl 



'92 DECLARATION OF [LcSS. 12. 

army at Cambridge, ascended the Kennebeck 
river, and marched three hundred miles 
across the wilderness, to ( anada. 

On the 5th ofDecembei, (general jMont- 
gomery, with his arnij. joined Arnold beiore 
Quebec. On the 31st, at iour o'clock in 
the morning, amidst a heavy st< imof snow, 
the combined armies marched to the attack of 
the town. Monts^omery passed the tirst bar- 
rier, but in attempting to take the second he 
was killed, and his troops led back by the 
second in command. The division under 
Arnold were equally unsuccesful ; Arnold 
himself received a mus:.et ball and was car- 
ried to the hospital. His meii, under Cap- 
tain Morgan, stood their ground till ten 
o'clock, when they were obliged to surrender 
prisoners of war. General iMontgomery 
wa- much lamented ; his remains weie inter- 
red with the respect due to his ran|c, by the 
British commander. General ( arleton ; and 
Congress ordered a monument to be erected 
to his memory. 

About the same time, Norfolk in Virginia, 
was burnt by order of Lord Dunmore ; the 
British Governors of the Southern colonies 
retreated on board the armed ships, and 
British authority ceased throughout the 
Union. 



li«SS. 1^.} IN»EPENI>BJSf©.E;. 73 

The British king entered into treaties witliv 
some of the German princes for about seven- 
teen thousand men, to be sent to America, to 
assist in subduing the colonies. The Boston 
port and fishery bills were repealed, but all 
Am<^rican property on the high seas was 
forfeited to the captors. 

This act induced ( ongress to change the 
mode of warfare, and measures were taken 
to annoy the enemy in Hoston. Batteries 
were erected on several neighbouring hills, 
from which shot and bombs were thrown into 
the town The Battery which was opened 
at Dorchester Point, was the most success> 
ful, and soon obliged General Howe to aban- 
don the town. General Howe was now the 
commander, General Gage having returned 
to England in September. In March, 1776^, 
the British troops embarked for Halifax, and 
General VVashington entered the town in trr- 
mmph. In the ensuing summer. Sir Peter 
Parker, with a small squadron of ships, and 
a body of troops under Generals Clinton and 
Cornwallis, attempted to take Charleston, 
the capita! of South Carolina They were 
repulsed with great loss, and the expeditio^a 
failed. 

On the Fourth of July, 1776, Congi-e^; 
imblished their DECLARATION OF IN:. 



74 DECLAHAilON OF INDEPENDENCE. [LeSS. 12. 

DEPENDENCiC ! This important event 
took place two hundred and eighty-four years 
after the first discovery of America by Colum- 
bus, one hundred and seventy-four from the 
first permanent settlement in Virginia, and one 
hundred and fd'ty-six from the landing of ihe 
Pilgrims in Plymouth. By this act, the thir- 
teen colonies were declared to be free, 

SOVEREIGN, AND INDEPENDENT STATES. 

Thus the political ties between Great Britain 
and her colonies were forever dissolved, and 
America assumed a name and a rank among 
the Nations of the earth. 

The motion to publish this Declaration, 
was made by Richard Fenry Lee, of Vir- 
ginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Mas- 
sachusetts. The Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was composed by Thomas Jefferson, 
of Virginia, and signed in the state house at 
Philadelphia. 

Though deficient in every thing necessary 
for canying on a war, and apparently un- 
equal to the contest, the American people, 
relying on the justice of their cause, with a 
strong confidence in the overruling Provi- 
dence of God, freely adopted this magnani- 
mous measure, and pledged to its support, 
their lives f their Jor'tines. and their sacred 
h^iuottr. 



Less. 12.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 75 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

When and where did the continental Con- 
gress convene ? 

What measures did they pursue ? 

What did they pubUsh ? 

Repeat the extract from that manifesto ^ 

Who was appointed to the army ? 

How did he accept the appointment ? 

What other officers were appointed ? 

When did General Washington take com- 
mand of the army ? 

Of how many men did it consist 1 

What is said of it ? 

How did the Americans procure a supply 
of ammunition ? 

What town was burned by the British .' 

What expedition was undertaken ? 

When was Montreal captured ? 

What advantage was this to the Americans,^ 

By what route did Arnold proceed to Ca- 
nada ? 

Was the enterprize successful ? 

Relate the circumstances of Montgomery's 
death and burial ? 

By whom was Norfolk burned ? 

Where did the British governors retreat '! 

What treaties were entered into by the 
British king ? 

What bills were repealed •' 



74» BATTLE dP [Less. IS, 

TVhat induced Congress t© change the 
mode of warfare ? 

What measures were taken to annoy the 
enemy ? 

Who was now commander in chiefs 

When did the British troops leave Boston f 

What is said of the expedition of Sir Peter 
Parker ^ 

When was independence declared ^ 

How long after the discovery of Cokmbus? 

From the first «iettiement in Virg^inia ? 

From the first settlement at Plymouth ? 

How many colonies were there ? 

What were they declared to be ! 

By whom was the motion made and 
seconded ? 

Who wrote the declaration of Indepen- 
tience ? 

In what were the Americans deficient ? 

On what did they rely ? 

What dM they pledge ? 

z.i^ssoN xxxr 

BATTLE OF LONG-ISLAND— NEW^ 

YORK TAKEN— AFFAIRS IN NEW- 

JERSEY. 

'• a the declaration of Independence 
ilished, General Washington was in 



JiCSS. lo.] LONG-ISLAM). 77 

New-York with about thirteen thousand men, 
encamped in the city, and in the neighbouring 
fortifications. Soon afterwards, General 
Howe arrived near New-York with a power- 
ful army, and landed his troops upon Staten- 
Island. The Americans had erected fortifi- 
cations on a neck of land which defended a 
small peninsula on Long Island. A ridge of 
hills ran in front of the works, passable only 
at three places. Of these works, General 
Sulhvan had the command. Here General 
Howe resolved to commence his operations. 
On the 26th of August General Heister 
took post at Flatbush with aLody of Hessians, 
while the principal army, under the command 
of General Clinton, marched to the left of the 
Americans. On the 27th, at day-break, the 
attack began. The battle was long and 
bloody , and the Americans, being attacked 
by General Heister from Flatbush, and by 
General Grant from the sea-coast, were com- 
pelled to retreat. In endeavouring to regain 
their cam-p, they were interrupted by Gene- 
ral Clinton. Driven back, they again met 
the Hessians. In these desperate circum- 
stances, some regiments forced th< ir way to 
the camp, through all the dangers with which 
they were surrounded. Both parties dis- 
played great valour and bravery ; but the foi>. 
tune of the day "was decidedhr in favour of 
G2 ^ 



^H^ BATTLE OF [LcSS. IS. 

the British. General Washington passed over 
from New-York just in time to witness the 
destruction to which so many of his best men 
seemed inevitably exposed ^Vrung with 
anguish, it is said even to tears, he called a 
council of war, and it was determined that 
the troops should cross over to New-York. 
The retreat commenced in the evening, a 
little after dark, from the upper and lower 
ferry, on the East River 

Never was any movement more skilfully 
conducted or more highly favoured by Provi- 
dence. The field baggage and artillery of 
about nine thousand men were conveyed to 
New-York over a river upsvards of a mile 
wide, without the knowledge of the enemy, 
who were not more than six hundred yards 
distant. As the day began to dawn, a heavy 
fog arose, and hung over Long-Island, so that 
it entirely concealed the movements of the 
American troops The wind too, which had 
been adverse, suddenly changed in their 
favour, so that the whole army were taken 
over in safety. General Sullivan had been 
made a prisoner by the British, and he was 
soon after sent on parole, with a message 
from. Lord Howe to Congress, purporting 
that he had full powers to compromise the 
dispute. 



Less. V6.] LONG-ISLAND. 79 

Doctor Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and 
John Adams, were appointed to meet him, on 
Staien Island ; but it appeared he hai' only 
power to ii:rant pardons on submission Of 
CO .rse, no approximation was made towards 
peace. 

After the battle of Long-Island, the army 
were dispirited, and the situation of Wash- 
ington become trying and delicate. The 
militia went off by companies, the regular 
troops were discontented, and the people 
murmured. To hazard another engagament 
was against all good poHcy, and to retreat 
was disheartening. Washington pursued a 
middle course. The public stores were re- 
moved to Dobb's ferry, twelve thousand men 
where ordered to the northern extremity of 
New-York island, and four thousand five 
hundred remained to defend the city. 

In September, General Howe attacked 
New-York, which was evacuated by the 
Americans, and taken possession of by the 
British. The Americans took a position on 
the north end of the island, and a skirmish 
took place, in which they behaved with great 
bravery, and came off victorious. This was 
the first success since the opening of the 
campaign, and it had a visible effect, in ani- 
mating the troops. On the 1 2th of October, 
the British crossed over to Throg's Neck, 
towards Connecticut, to cut off the commu- 



^0 BATTLE 0P [Less. lo. 

nication between General Washington and 
the eastern states, upon which the Americans 
assembled their main force at \\ hite Plains. 
A severe action took place, in which some 
hundreds fell on both sides The British lay 
upon their arms all night, expecting to attack 
the Americans in the morning, but General 
Washington, unwilling to risk a formal en- 
gagement, retired farther up the country, and 
took a strong position at North Castle. 

On the 15th of xNovember, the British took 
fort Washington, the onlj post held by the 
Americans on New-York island. They then 
prepared to attack fort Lee, on the Jersey 
shore, and General Washington crossed to 
New- Jersey, with part of his army, leaving 
the remainder at North Castle under the 
command of General Lee. 

The campaign had been hitherto unfortu- 
nate, and great depression of spirits prevailed. 
Many, from timidity, accepted the pardon 
offered by Lord Howe , some of whom were 
men of wealth and respectability, and some 
had been members ot congress To retreat 
was now the only expedient As General 
Washington arrived successively at Newark, 
Brunswick, Trenton, and Princeton, he was 
still closely pursued by the British. 

General Lee, who had orders to join the 
€ommander-in chief, was taken prisoner at 



Less. IS.] LON(r-isLAsr&. 81 

Baskenridge, by a party of British light horse, 
a circumstance which, on account of his 
military talents, was much regretted by the 
Americans. Gem^ral vVasriington's army, 
when he crossed the Delaware, consisted of 
nom<»rethen twenty-two iiundied men, and 
in a few days they acre reduced to seventeen 
hundred, dispirited, dejected and in want of 
all tbings. About this time Rhode-Island 
was taken possession ot by the British, without 
resistance. 

In proportion as the situation of affairs be- 
came more gloomy, congress redoubled their 
exertions. They addressed the people in 
bold and animated language , dispatched men 
of influence to different parts of the country, 
to excite the militia to take the field ; recom- 
mended a day of solemn fasting and prayer, 
and endeavoured to obtain assistance from 
foreign powers. 

These judicious measures in the cabinet 
were accompanied with proportionate vigour 
in the field 

A bold enterprise was underta'ren by Ge- 
neral VVashington. On the evening of Chirist- 
mas day, he crossed the Delaware, and sur- 
prised a lar^e body of Hessian troops at 
Trenton, and took them without the loss of 
a man. The detachment consisted of fifteen 
hundred German infantry, and a troop of 
British cavalr\'. 



82 BATTLE OF [LcSS.lS. 

History affords few examples superior to 
this master-stroke in the art. Nothing^ seem- 
ed more improbable than such an attempt 
to the commander-in chief of that district, as 
he had boasted that he could keep the peace 
of New-Jersey with a corporal's guard. 

The British had a strong battalion of light 
infantry at Princeton, and a force yet remain- 
ing near the Delaware, superior in numbers 
to the American army. General Washington 
therefore conceived, it prudent to re-cross 
into Pennsylvania with his prisoners the night 
after the victory. These being secured, he 
returned to Trenton. The enemy did not 
suffer him to remain long undisturbed. 

Their detachments assembled at Princeton, 
and were joined by the army from Brunswick, 
under Lord Cornwallis. The situation of 
Washington became critical, but his genius 
suggested a relief. Soon alter it became 
darV, he ordered the baggage to be silently 
removed, when, leaving iiuards, and kindling 
fires, for the purpose o\ deception, he march- 
ed by a circuitious rout to Princeton, a dis- 
tance of ten miles ; and would have com- 
pletely suprised and took the British there, 
had not a party on their way to Trenton, 
descried his troops and given the alarm. The 
royalists charged the Americans, and the lat- 
tjpr gave way in disorder : when Washington 



Less. 13.] LONG-ISLAND. i3i) 

rushed forward, placed himself between his 
own troops and the British, with his horse's 
head to the latter. The Americans made a 
stand, and rtturned the enemy's fire ; and the 
General, though exposed to both sides, re- 
mained unhurt. A paityofthe enemy fled 
into the college, and surrendered. 

The American loss in this engagement 
was numerically small ; but the gallant Ge- 
neral Mercer, who fell in the action, was 
deservedly lamented. 

The astonishment of the British at Tienton, 
was extreme They had impatiently waited 
the morning, expecting to find the Ameri- 
cans an easy conquest ; and when they heard 
the firing at Trenton, though it was in the 
depth of winter, they took it to be thunder. 
So great was their consternation, that they 
immediatelyretreated to New Brunswick and 
Amboy. 

Thus ended the campaign of 1776 ; and 
brighter prospects ushered in the eventful 
year 1777. It has been appropriately called 
the ^Hime that tried men's souls" and will for- 
ever stand on the page of American history, 
a memorial of the courage and magnanimity 
of American soldiers, and of the peculiar 
Providence which crowned their etforts with 
success. 



M ^HBSTitNs FOR [Leas, 1^. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

Where was General Washington when In- 
dependence was declared ? 

What f(3rce had he ? 

What troops arrived ? 

Where did they land ? 

Where had the Americans erected foFtifi- 
eations ! 

Who commanded ? 

Where and how did General Howe com- 
mence his operations ? 

How were the troops disposed ? 

How were the Americans attacked ? 

Describe the action ? 

Where wa.s General Washington ? 

How was he affected ? 

What step did he take ? 

Describe the retreat ? 

What circumstances favoured the retreat ? 

What Genera was tal en prisoner ? 

On what messaa:e was he sent f 

Who were appointed to meet Lord Howe ? 

What was the resuh ? 

What is said of the situation of Washings 
ton^ 

What course did he pursue ? 



Less. 13.] EXAMINATION. 85 

What disposition was made of his troops 
and pu'ilic stores ? 

When was New- York taken ? 

Where did the Americans take a position ? 

What took place 1 

What effect had it ? 

What movement did the British make 1 

Why ? 

What took place at VVhite Plains ? 

What tort was taken by the British X 

What did they prepare to attack .? 

What disposition did Washington make of 
his troops ? 

What is said of the campaign .? 

Describe the retreat of iVashing^>ri * 

Where was General Lee taken r 

What measures did Congress adopt ■ 

What enterprize was undertaken bf Wash 
ington ? 

Give the particulars ? 

Describe the retreat to Princeton P 

What is said of the engagemen* ' 

Mention the conduct of the Gei; i - 

What distinguished officer fel' > • I's;- i.c 
tion ? 

What is said of the British at T 

Where did they retreat ? 

What is said of the end of 17^ G, and he- 
sinninff of 1777 ? 



II 



t^g CAPTURE OF [Less. 14» 

What has this year been called? 
Of what is it a monument ! 

-^^^^ 
I,13S£0H XXV. 

CAPTURE OF BURGOYNE. 

The year 1777 was distinguished by very 
memoraMe events in favour ot America. C,e- 
neral -. ashington's winter quarters were at 
Morristown, in New-Jersey, where most of 
hi troops were inoculated for the small pox 
On the ovemn^oithe campaign m the spring, 
n" tIo^^ was «ent by tl e British to des- 
w .^-Ai^c military ^tor^s at Jiaiurjiy, a. 
• Connecticut. The plan was exe^ uted, arui 
t' tnwn mostly burned ; hut the Bruish .u.. 
i e i ru their retreat, and the An>encans lost 
Gtnerdi Wooster, • ■ - • ' . vre- -^-?'* 

.fncer. , i- - 

\. May, ^^enerai W HM.nigto!^ Icli ;uj, quar-^ 

i.-i^ at Morr'^vo^'in and took . 4von;r posi- 

rca a Midditbraok, ten uiiles nesrf r bmas • 

^ick, from tvhencehe cc-M -r-r.,. asl the 

^novemcots ot ihe British. 



Less 14.] SURGOYNE. 8T 

The first object of General Howe was to 
get possession oi' Philadelphia ; but he was 
unwilliniJ^ to cross the Delawaje while Gen- 
eral VV'ashiiigton was in tbrcf I'ehind him. 
He, therefore, practised many manoeuvres 
to draw the Americans from their position 
but without success ; and, alter some slight 
skirmishing, the British evacuated New- 
Jersey altoo:ether. 

Soon afterwards, the main body of the 
British army em marked at New-York, sailed 
up the ( hesapeake, and landed at the head 
of Elk river, where they began their march 
for Philadel[)hia. 

General VV'ashington was determined to 
oppose them, and for t'lis purpose made a 
stand near Brand} wine creek. Here the 
armies engaged ; and the Americans were 
overpowered with great loss. The enemy 
pursui^d theii' march, and took possession 
of Philadelphia towards the close of Sep- 
tember. At Germantown, also, the two 
armies were soon afterwards engager^, and 
both sides suffered considerable loss , but the 
British had the advantage 

In October, General Burgoyne, and the 
whole northern army of the British, were 
captured. The British had taken Ticonde- 
roga ; and, crossing Lake George, encamped 
upon the banks of the Hudson, near Sara- 



8b CAPTURE OF [Less. 14. 

toga. Their progress, however, was check- 
ed by the defeat of Colonel Baum, near Ben- 
nington, in which the undisciphned militia 
of Vermont under General Stark, displayed 
unexampled bravery, and captured almost 
the whole detachment. 

The militia, from all parts of New-Eng- 
land, assembled to stop the progress of Gen- 
eral Burgoyne. These, with the regular 
troops, ibrmed a respectable army, com- 
manded by Gen. Gates. 

After two severe actions, in which Gen- 
erals Lincoln and Arnold behaved with great 
bravery, General Burgoyne was forced to 
capitulate. Ten thousand men, with their 
arms, ammunition, and artillery, fell into the 
hands ol the Americans. 

This event excited universal joy in Ame- 
rica, and laid the foundation for the tieaty 
witi' France. 

About the same time, Esopus, a beautiful 
Dutch village on the iiudson, was burnt, by 
order of Gen. Vaughan. 

The same year. General Washington de- 
feated the Hessians at Red-Bank, which 
was, however, soon after evacuated. 

John Adams was appointed Minister to 
Paris, in the place of Silas Deane, v/ho wa? 
recalled. 



Less. 14.] BURGSYNE. 89 

More than one thousand American prison- 
ers were confined in New- York, in the pro- 
vost,* and in the Jersey prison ship, where 
they were suffered to perish with hunger and 
disease. 

This year Vermont became an indepen- 
dent state. 

Several foreigners joined the American 
cause this year, and distiny;uished ttiemselves 
for their bravery and prowess. The Mar- 
quis De La Fayette, of Prance, and Count 
Pulas i, of Poland, served in the battle of 
Brandy wine ; and the celebrated Polish Gen- 
era) Kosciusko, was chief engineer to Gen- 
eral Gates. These noblemen had joined the 
American standard from their love of liberty, 
and conviction of the justice of the cause. 
And while they severally deserve, as they 
enjoy, the warm gratitude of the United 
States, yet this work would fail to be a re- 
cord of truth, if it did not give an outline at 
least of the distinguished services rendered 
this country by the Marquis de La Fayette. 
At the moment when the then collossal pow- 
er of the British Em[»ire seemed ready to 
overwhelm this country, and it was reported 
that the American army v/as reduced to two 

* Now the Debtor's Prison. 
H2 



90 THE MARQUIS [LcSS. 14. 

thousand men, and was flying through New- 
Jersey before thirty thousand British regular 
troops ; at the moment when the credit of 
America in Europe could not procure a sin- 
gle vessel for ner assi>tance, then it was that 
the majjiianimous La Fayette said to our 
commissioners at Paris, "to this moment I 
have done nothing but admiie }Our cause, 
but HOW I mean to serve it. The more hope- 
less it is in the public estimation, the more 
honour shall I acquire h. espousing its inter- 
ests Since it is out of you power to pro- 
cure a vessel, I will purchase and equip one 
m}seli ; and I take upon niyseli to be the 
bearerof your despatches to Congress." He 
accordingly from his own resources fitted 
up a vessel, and procured for the service of 
our country, a quantity of military stores, 
and leaving a young and amiable wife, and 
all the fascinating sceres which his Court 
presented to him, he hastened to our relief. — 
Landing at Charleston, South Carolina, he 
proceeded to Philadelphia, and presenting 
himself before (Congress, said, "1 am come 
to request two favours of this house: the one 
is, to serve in your army in the capacity of a 
private volunteer ; the other, to receive no 
pay " 

Such was La Fayette at the age of twenty. 
To recount the services which he rendered 



Less. 14.] DE LA FAYETTE. 91 

to this country, and the honours she has be- 
stowed upon him — to rehearse all that he has 
suffered in the cause of liberty — would be to 
fill volumes. Let every American, to the 
latest posterity, reiiiember, that he not only 
poured into the exhausted treasury of the 
Revolutionary Fathers, the (»roceeds of his 
princely fortune, but in their service expended 
his blood. It was the exertion of his power- 
ful influence that conciliated in favour of the 
Revolutionary cause the Tourt of Versailles, 
and brought to our aid at the moment of our 
" utmost need," a fleet and an army of brave 
and noble-minded Frenchmen. We do not 
say that, without this aid, the rising hopes of 
the friends of liberty would have been for- 
ever blasted. But is it not possible, not to 
say probable, that without it, the struggle 
would, for that time, at least, have proved 
unsuccessful, and Washington, Adams, Han- 
cock, and other devoted friends to that noble 
cause, been executed as rebels and traitors ? 
Often when the American army was in 
want of provisions, blankets and clothing, 
when there was not even a single pair of 
shoes in that army, has La Fayette, from his 
own purse, supplied those necessaries. • hen 
we remember these things, when the follow- 
ing words of La Fayette sound in our ears, 
'' Fnjm the moment I first heard the name of 
America, I began to love her ; from the mo- 



92 THE MARQUIS DE LA PAYETTE. [LcSS, 14. 

ment I understood that she was struggling 
for her liberties, 1 burned to shed m} oest 
blood in her glorious cause ; and lae days I 
shall devote to the service of America, wher- 
ever and whenever it may be, will covmtute 
the happiest of my Hie ," when we coar^ider 
the benign influence which an example 
like this, and gratitude sucti as these United 
States observe towards him, must have upon 
the moral destmies of the world ; when we 
call to mind the honours the country has 
awarded to its illustrious Iriend, the bust of 
enthusiasm with which in his visit to us in 
1824, he was received, borne aloft in the 
affections of the people, as he stands conspi- 
cuous among all the great and good men that 
ever liv« d, passing from one end of our hap- 
py country to the other, through illuminated 
cities, triumphal a ches, and millions of free- 
born grateful citizens, where all aihnired and 
no one envied him ; — we have more reasons 
than one to rejoice in the fact, that this 
Hero, Patriot and Philanthropist, was and 
remains our friend, and that our treatment of 
him furnisht^s at least oiie example of a 
GRATEFUL REPUBLIC* 

* While this work was in the press, a bill grant- 
ing to Gen. La Fayette $200,000, and atoniiship 
of 25.000 arres, in testimony of the United States" 
gratitude towards him. passed both houses of Cor>- 
;^ress, almost unanimously. 



^eSS.l4.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 915 
QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

For what was the year 1777 distinguish- 
ed ? 

Where were Gen. Washington's winter 
quarters .? 

Describe the expedition of Governor Try- 
on .^ 

When did Washington leave his quarters? 

What position did he take ? 

What was the object of Gen. Howe ? 

Why was he unwilling to cross the Dela- 
ware ? 

What movement was made by the army at 
New-York ? 

Where did General Washington make a 
stand ? 

What is said of the engagement near Bran- 
dywine ? 

When was Philadelphia taken ? 

Where was another battle fought ? 

\^'hich had the advantage ? 

When was Burgoyrie captured ? 

What ort had the Biitisn taken ? 

How was their progress checked ? 

How was the army of Gen. Gates formed ? 

How many battles were fought between 
Burgoyne and Gates ? 

V'v hat was the result ? 

What American officers were distinsruish- 
^d ? 



^4 QUESTIONS? FOR EXAMINATION. [LcSS. 14. 

Of what did the capture of Burgoyne lay 
the foundation ? 

How ? Ans. By impressing the French with 
a favourable opim m of the .flmerican cause. 

VV hat village was hurned ? 

Whom did (xen. Washington defeat ? 

Who was appointed vlinister to Paris ? 

Where were the American prisoners con- 
fined ? 

How w^^e they treated ? 

What foreifi^ners joined the Americans ? 

What was the situation of the Americans 
at the moment La Fa} ette resolved to join 
them ? 

His observations to the American Com- 
missioners at Paris ? 

In what manner did he first come to 
America ? 

What state to congress on presenting him- 
self be fore it ? 

What further is stated in relation to his 
servic s ? 

What would probably have been the fate 
of the country, and of Washington, Adams, 
and Hancock, had La Fayette not come to 
our aid ? 

What did he often do for the American 
army ? 

V'V hat say in relation to America ? 

In conclusion of this lesson, what is stated 
concerning La Fayette ? and in the note ? 



Less. 15.] ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE. ^0 



ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE,TRKACH- 
ERY OF ARNOLD, &c. 

The beginning of the year 1 778 was dis- 
tinguished by a treaty of alliance between 
France and America, by which the Ameri- 
cans obtained a p- werf'ul ally. When the 
EnL'lish Minist)y were informed that the 
treat} was likely to be concluded, they dis- 
patched Commissioners to America to at- 
tempt a reconcili tion , but their offers could 
not now be accepted. Karl} in the spring, 
Count de Estaing, with a fleet ot fifteen sail 
of' the line, was sent by the Court of France 
to assist Mnerica. General Howe returned to 
England, leaving the command of the army 
to Sir Henr^ ( linton. 

In June the British left Philadelphia, and 
marched for ^ew-York. At Monmouth tl)ey 
were repulsed with great loss ; but General 
Lee, by an ill-timed retreat, lost the victory. 
For his conduct this day. General Lee was 
suspended, and never afterwards joined the 
army. This year Savannah was burnt by the 
British. 

In 1779, Norwalk and Fairfield, in Con- 
necticut, were burned. General V\ avne sur- 



96 ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE, AND [LcSS 15. 

prised and took the British garrison at Stony 
Point, with small Toss on either side. In Oc- 
tober, Gen. Lincoln and Count de Estaing 
made an assault upon Savannah ; hut they 
were repulsed with great loss, and the celebrat- 
ed Polish Count Pulaski was mortally wound- 
ed. In 1780, the British troops left Rhode- 
Island. Charleston, in South Carolina was 
taken by Lord Cornwallis, who marched 
through the southern states, and supposed 
them entirely subdued. 

In July, a French fleet, commanded by 
Monsieur Ternay, with a body of land forces, 
under the command of Count de Rocham- 
beau, arrived at Rhode-Island, to the great 
joy of the Americans. 

This year was also distinguished by the 
treacherj of Arnold. General v^ ashington, 
having some business to transact at Whethers- 
field, in Connecticut, left the important post 
of West Point under the command of" Arnold. 
This post guards a pass in the Hudson river, 
about sixty miles from New-York. Arnold's 
conduct the preceding winter, had been cen- 
sured, and he was determined to take revenge 
for the treatment he bad received. For this 
T, u'p c ^i"^. he entered 'Tsmo ." "cgociaticrr^. with 
;> Henry Ciintoti ?o deliver West Poinl 
^.0 iSfi i,rmy into the. hand.« of the Brjnsb. 
neral Wasl^jjarton \vas absen . V 



Less, lo.j TREACHERY OF ARNOLD. 97 

dismounted the cannon, and took other steps 
to render the taking of the post easy to the 
enemy. 

Major Andre, a brave and accomplished 
British oifi er, was sent up the river to confer 
with Arnold ; but returning to New- York, 
divested of his uniform, he was intercepted 
by three American soldiers, John Paulding, 
Isacc Van Wart, and David Williams. He 
offered them his purse and a valuable gold 
watch to release him ; but these inflexible 
patriots, though poor, were not to be moved 
from their duty. They searched him, and 
found a plan of the fort, and other papers in 
Arnold's own hand writing, concealed in his 
boot. 

Arnold escaped on board the Vulture, a 
British ship which lay in the river ; but An- 
dre, having forfeited his life by the laws of 
war, was hanged as a spy. 

General Washington soon restored order 
in the garrison; and the exchaiige of one 
of their best men for a traitor, was all the 
Britisii gained by this project Major Andre 
was universally regretted. His iidelity had 
pointed him out to General Clinton as a suit- 
able person to undertake this expedition ; buf 
his candour made him inexpert in those ^tt^ 
*-^f deception •which is reqtiircd. 



J)<H (iUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 16. 

After the defeat of Gen' ral Gates in Caro- 
lina, General Greene was appointed to the 
•command of the southern army. From this 
period allairs began to wear a more favour- 
•able aspect to the south. At Cowpens, Ge- 
neral Morgan, after a severe engagement, 
defeated the British troops under the com- 
mand of Col. Tarleton, the favourite officer 
of Lord CornwalHs. 

After a variety of movements, the two ar- 
mies met at Guilford, in North-Carolina. 
Here was fought one of the severest actions 
during the war. General Greene and Lord 
Cornwallis exerted themselves at the ht ad of 
their respective troops ; and although the 
Americans were obliged to retire from the 
fteld, the British army suffered an immense 
loss, and could not purse the victory. This 
action took place on the 15th of March, 
1781. 



:QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

For what was the beginning of 1780 dis- 
tinguished ? 

What did the English ministry attempt ? 
Who commanded the French fleet ? 
Qf what did it consist ? 



Less. 15.] EXAMINATION. 99 

When did it arrive ? 

Who now commanded the British army .' 

What took place in June following ? 

What happened at Monmouth ? 

What city was burned the same year ? 

What towns in Connecticut was burned / 

When ? 

What is said of General VVayne ? 

What happened in October 1 

What celebrated foreigner was mortally 
wounded ? 

When did the British troops leave Rhode- 
Island. 

What city was taken by Lord Cornwallis f 

Where did h' mdrch ? 

What did he suppose ? 

What occurred in July ? 

For what was this year distinguished l 

Where was Genera! Washington ? 

How is West Point situated I 

What British officer was sent up the river ? 

How was he taken ^ 

What was found upon him 1 

What was his iate .'' 

What was his character ? 

What became of Arnold ? 

What did the British gain by this project ^ 

What was the situation of affairs in the 
south ? 

What occurred at Gowpens ? 



JOO CAPTURE UP OORNWALLIS'. [LesS. Hi 

' What at Guilford ? 
When ? 



CAPTURE OF CORNWALLIS— 
PEACE. 

In the spring Arno d, who was made a 
Brigadier General in th British service, with 
a sma 1 number of troops, sailed for Virginia, 
and plundered the country. This called the 
attention of the French fleet to that quarter ; 
and a naval engagement took place between 
the E glish and French, with considerable 
loss on both sides. 

After the battle of Guilford, General 
Greene moved towards South-( arolina, to 
drive the British from their posts in that state. 
Here Lord Rawdon obtained an inconsider- 
able advantage over the ^mericans, near 
Camden. But General Greene more than 
~:^:v - his disadvantage bj^ his brilliant 
8a he Eutaw Springs, which may be 

CO; as ending the war in »South« 



Less. 16.] CAPTURE ®P CORNWALLIS. 101 

Immediately after the battle of Eutaw 
Springs, the republican government was re- 
established in South Carolina, and the Gen- 
eral Assembly of Georgia again assembled at 
Augusta. Lord Cornwallis, finding Gen- 
eral Greene successful, marched to Virginia, 
collected his forces, and fortitied himself 
at York town. 

Tlie ^larquis de La Fayette was despatch- 
ed from the main army, with a small detach- 
ment, to watch the motions of the British. 
About the first of August, Count de Grasse 
arrived with a large fleet in the Chesapeake, 
and blockaded the British in Yorktown. Ad- 
miral Greaves, with a British fleet, appeared 
off the (apes, and an action took place, 
which was not decisive. 

General Washington had previously re- 
moved the main body of his army to the 
southward ; and as soon as he heard of the 
arrival of the French fleet, he made rapid 
marches to the head of the Elk, where, em- 
bar -ling liis troops, they soon arrived at York- 
town. 

A close siege commenced, which was car- 
ried on with so much vigour by the combi- 
ned forces of America and France, that Lord 
Cornwalhs was obliged to surrende^^ This 
'glorious event happened on the 19th of Or- 
t'^ber, 1781, and decided the contest in fa 
I 2 



102 PEACE. [Less. 10. 

vour of America. When the news was re- 
ceived at Congress, the aged door-keeper 
fell down and expired from excess of joy. 
Gen. Washinifton ordered Divine service to 
be performed in the different ' rigades of the 
arm\ : and Congress resolved to go in pro- 
cession to church, to return pubhc thanLsto 
the Father of Mercies iorthis signal vi'*tory. 

The next spring Sir Guy Carleton arrived 
in New- York, and took the conniiand of the 
British army in America. On his arrival 
he acquainted (ren. Washington and < on- 
gress that negociations for peace had com- 
menced at Paris. 

The Empress of Russia and the Emperor 
of Germany were mediators in promoting 
this desirable object. Dr. Franklin, John 
Adams, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, were 
the commissioners on the part of America ; 
Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald on the part 
of England. On the 30th Nov. 1782, pro- 
visional articles of peace were signed, by 
which Great Britain acknowledged the Inde- 
pendence and Sovereignty of the United States 
of America. 

Thus America obtained a happy reward of 
her labours, and a full compensation for the 
streams of blood which her patriots had so 
freely shed. The contest began in weakness, 
mutiny, and devastation ; and ended in confi- 
dence, victory, and joy. 



Less. 16.] PEACE. lOo 

Large arrears were due to the army, and 
it became a difficult matter to disband them 
without pay By the address of General 
Washington, thi'^ affair was manafred to mu- 
tual satistaction. A small sufii vva;> advanced, 
and ertiticates vveie uiveri fortbe remainder. 
On the 3d of November the armv were dis- 
banded. They had sufftrt d much ; h d 
been in want of all things , and often their 
footsteps miiiht have been tracked in blood 
over tiie frozen ground. The lad achieved 
the In ependence of a nation ; and the} now 
returned to their homes with onlv three 
months' pay, in part of the large arrears 
which were due. 

The officers, to perpetuate their friend- 
ship, formed themselves into a Society, 
which they named ( incinnati, alter Cincin- 
natus, the celebrated Roman General, who, 
after having vanquished the enemies of his 
country, returned to the plough. 

On the 25th of November New- York was 
evacuated by the British; and v\ ashington, 
accompanied by f overnor Clinton, entered 
the city in grand procession An interesting 
epoch was now approaching The com- 
mander-in-chief was to bid adieu to his offi- 
cers, endeared to him by personal friendship, 
by common dangers, and by the successful 
issue of the enterprise in which they had 



104 PEACE. [Less. 16. 

been engaged The officers advanced suc- 
cessively ; he took an atfectionate leave of 
each, and then passed through a corps of 
light infantry to the place of embarkation. 
He entered the barge, turned to his com- 
panions, waved his hat, and bade them a si- 
leni adieu. 

He next proceeded to Annapolis, then the 
seat of Congress, to resign his commission.^ 

This interesting ceremony over, he retir- 
ed to ^lount Vernon, and the peaceful occu- 
pations of domestic life. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What circumstance called the attention of 
the French fleet to Virginia .? 

Where did General Greene remove ? 

What is said of the battle of * amden ? 

What soon followed ? 

What followed the battle of Eutaw Springs? 

Where did Lord Cornwallis march ? 

Where fortify himself ? 

Who was sent to watch his motions ^ 

What fleet arrived in the Chesapeake P 

Who coromanded \\\^. British fleet ? 



Less. 16.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 105 

Where did they appear ? 

What took place ? 

Where was Gen. Washington ? 

Whither did he march ? 

AVhat soon commenced at Yo? ktown ? 

When did CornwalHs surrender ? 

How was the news of this received at 
Consrress ? ' 

What did Washington order ? 

What did Congress resolve ? 

Who arrived at Mew-York the next spring.*' 

What communication did he make to 
Congress ? 

What pAiropean sovereigns were media- 
tors ? 

Who were the American Commissioness ^ 

Who the British ? 

W hen were articles of peace signed ? 

What did * Jreat Britain acknowledge ? 

What did America ohtain ^ 

When was the Army disbanded ? 

How were they paid ' 

What is said of the army ? 

What took place on the 25th of Novem- 
ber ? 

Describe the parting of Washington and 
his officers ? 

What Society was instituted ? 

Whither did VV ashington proceed ? 



106 ADOPTION OF THE [LcsS. 17- 

For what purpose 1 
Where did he retire ? 



Al ^^ nON OF THE FEDERAL 
CONSTITUTION. 

From the conchision of the war to the es- 
tahlishment of the new constitution, the peo- 
ple of tlie United States suffered many em- 
barrassments. The operations of the war 
had been retarded by the want of funds. 
There was no oriranized government to levy 
taxes, and the only resource of congress was 
to issue bills of credit. As the calls for money 
weie incessant, Congress continued to emit 
bills until tiicy iiad issued two hundred 
millions o' dollars. These bills gradually 
depreciated, until they became of little value. 
To keep up the value, a law was passed 
making thecontiaental money a legal tender. 
But notwithstanding the law, the depreciation 
continued, and many persons suffered severe- 
ly in con -equence. Some, who owed large 
debts, paid their creditors with a trifle ; the 
rich became poor, and those who were im- 
mersed in debt, took advantage of the time* 
and became rich. 



Less. 17,] FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 107 

This money was never redeemed by Con- 
gress, and indeed, it was impossible that it 
should be At the close of the war, the debt 
of the United States was estimated at forty 
millions of dollars. They were not able to 
pay the interest; public securities depreciated 
to one tenth of their nominal value, and 
the late army, and those who had furnished 
supplies, incurred great losses. 

Trade languished, bankiuptcies ensued^ 
and industry was at a stand. The United 
States seemed to be thirteen distinct sove- 
reignties, each pursuing its own interest, 
while the whole was suffering. 

In 1786, an insunection brol e out in 
Massachusetts, headed by a Mr. .^hay ; but 
prudent and concilatory measures being 
adopted, it was soon quelled. 

In May, 1787, deputies from each of the 
states, except Illio^le-Island, assembled at 
Philadelphia, for the purpose ot forming a 
Constitution. After four months deliberation, 
they presented the new Constitution to the 
several states, and at length, after much dis- 
cussion, it was adopted. 

By this constitution, the blessings of civil 
and religious liberty are guaranteed to the 
people ; and one of its chief excellencies is, 
that it contains a provision for future amend- 
ments, as the exigencies of the states shall 



108 ADOPTION OF THE [LeSS. 17. 

require.* One legislative and judicial power 
pervades the whoK^ union. I be executive 
power is vested In a President and Vice-Pre- 
sident, and the legislative in a Senate a.i.d 
House of Representatives, all chosen by the 
people. 

The ratification of the constitution was 
celebrated with great joy. On the 3d of 
March, 1789, the new Congress assembled 
at New-York, and George W ashington was 
found to be unanimously elected I'resident 
oi' the United States, and John Adams, Vice- 
President. 

In 1791, Kentucky and Vermont were 
admitted into the union. The latter had 
before declared independence, but being 
claimed both by New- York and New- Hamp- 
shire, could not be considered an effective 
link in the chain, until these states relinquish- 
ed their claim. 

The same year, the prosperity of the union 
was menaced by tSie opposition ot the inha- 
bitants of the western part ol Pennsylvania 
to the measures of Congrf ss, for raising a 
revenue by a tax on distilled spirits. The 
disturbances continued until 1794 when it was 
found necessary to send an armed force into 
the country, but happily the insurrection was 
quelled without bloodshed. 

'*Several amendments havp- beeti madr. 



Less. 17.] FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 109 

A remnant of the revolutionary war was 
still carried on by the Indian tribes, north 
west of the Ohio river, which had been chiefly 
directed against the frontiers of Kentucky. 
In 1791, General St. Clair experienced a 
disastrous defeat near the Miami villages. 
The summer of 1792 was spent in ineffectual 
overtures for peace, and the next year the 
army advanced as far as the ground where 
St. Clair had been defeated, and built fort 
Recovery. 

In 1794, General Wayne totally defeated 
the Indians ; and in 1 795 a treaty was con- 
cluded with all the hostile tribes, on terms 
mutually satisfactory. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

How had the operations of the war been 
retarded ? 

How did congress supply ^ • - 
money ? 

How attempt to keep up the value of th*) 
bills ? 

What was the consequence 

What was the debt of the Ur : « vtir 

Where they able to pay ? 

Who incurred losses ? ' . 

K 



110 DIFFICULTIES [LcSS. 18. 

What did the United States seem to be ? 

Where did an insurrection break out ? 

When was the Constitution framed ? 

What does it guarantee ? 

For what does it provide ? 

By whom are the officers of goverment 
chosen? 

In whom is the executive power vested ? 

In whom, the legislative ? 

Who was the first President ? 

What new states were admitted ? When ? 

How was the prosperity of the union me- 
naced ? 

How long did disturbances continue ? 

,How were they quelled ? 

Where was war still carried on ? 

What General was defeated by the In- 
dians ? 

What fort was built ? 

When, and by whom ? 

Who defeated the Indians ? 

What occurred in 1793 ? 



IiSSSOK XVIll. 

DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCE. 

While the administration were thus em- 
^Jftf^ M quellinsr the refractory, and re- 



Less. 18.] WITHFRANCE, 111 

straining the inroads of a subtle enemy, they 
were unexpectedly involved in a foreign war, 
by the great convulsions of Europe. The 
people of France, emboldened by the suc- 
cess of the American revolution, had pro- 
ceeded in their endeavours to establish a 
popular government until they had dethroned 
and beheaded their unhappy king. They 
were now contending alone against surround- 
ing states. 

In this situation, the government turned to 
America, and demanded, in the friendship and 
assistance of the emancipated colonies, a 
return for the aid rendered them by Louis, 
the deposed king. 

Mr. Genet was sent over as Minister from 
the French republic. The prudence of the 
President led him to issue a proclamation;, 
expressing the intention of the government 
to maintain a strict neutrality. The ani- 
mosities of France and England had often 
embroiled Europe, and they now threatened 
to involve America in the contest. The 
conduct of Genet was such that a request 
was made to the French government, desir- 
ing his recall. He had, in defiance of the 
President's proclamation, enlisted men, and 
fitted out privateers to cruise against Britain. 
The French government disavowed his pro- 
ceedinsrs, and sent Mr. Kaurhet in his plaop 



11 ;i liiFPicuLTiEs [Less. lb. 

The British had given orders to capture 
all American vessels trading to the French 
West India Islands, and American seamen 
were impressed by British vessels. On the 
other hand, complaints were made of unjust 
treatment from French vessels and French 
tribunals ; and at the same time the Algerine 
cruizers captured American vessels, and 
carried their crews into slavery. The Pre- 
sident was unwearied in the execution of his 
duties. Mr. Jay was sent to Kngland, to 
claim reparation for British spoliations ; re- 
monstrances were made to the French go- 
vernment, and an agent sent to Algiers. In 
the mean time, the President having been 
twice unanimously elected, and fulfilled the 
period of service, now declined a re-election, 
and John Adams was chosen President, and 
Thomas Jefferson Vice-President. 

Mr. Jay negociated a treaty with England, 
the ratification of which was one of the last 
official acts of President Washington ; and 
though much difference of opinion existed as 
to its utility, all parties have agreed that the 
President acted from motives of the purest 
patriotism. 

Soon after the retirement of Washington, 
Congress thought it necessary to raise a 
provisional army, on account of our disputes 
with France : and General Washington was 



Less. 18.] WITH PRANCE. US 

again appointed Commander-in-chief. He 
accepted the appointment, on condition that 
he should not be called to service until the 
army were in actual readiness to take the 
field. 

On receiving pacific intelligence from 
France, the army was disbanded, and the 
armed vessels mostly laid up. The measures 
of the administration under Mr. Adams did 
not meet with that general approbation 
which had distinguished those of the former 
administration. In all popular governments, 
there will be a collision of parties, and the 
conduct of the rulers will be more or less 
subject to censure, though their intentions 
may be pure. Several acts were passed 
which met with considerable opposition. — 
Among these were the Alien and Sedition 
acts, and the act authorising a direct tax on 
houses and lands. 

The Alien law empowered the ^resident 
to seize any alien he might suspect to be 
inimical, and order him to depart the country. 
The Sedition law imposed a fine and impri- 
sonment for writing and publishing any thing 
to bring the government or its officers into 
disrepute. 

The 14th of December, 1799, Gen. Wash- 
ington died at his seat in Virginia, in the 68th 
vear of his age. The history of his country 



U4 (^UESTIONs FOR [Less. 18. 

is his best eulogium ; his most faithful monu- 
ment, the love and admiration of the world. 

He died as he had lived, calm, equable, 
and resigned ; consigning his spirit, with 
tranquil confidence, to the Saviour of man- 
kind, and his fame to a grateful country. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

In what were the United States involved ? 

Vv hat is said of the people of France ? 

What did they look for from America ? 

Who was sent over to America from 
France ? 

What is said of Genefs conduct in Ameri- 
ca ? 

How was his conduct viewed by the 
French government ? 

What orders had been given by the 
British ? 

What complaints were made ? 

^Vho was sent to England ? 

For what purpose ? 

What measures was pursued toward 
France and Algiers ? 

Who was elected President ? 

What is said of Mr. Jay's treaty ? 

Was Washington again called to the ser- 
vice of his country ? 



Less. IS.] EXAMINATION 115 

On what occasion ? 

Why was the army disbanded I 

What is said of the measures of ths ad- 
ministration f 

What acts of the administration were un- 
popular ? 

What power was given to the President 
by the ahen law ? 

What did the sedition law impose ? 

When and where did Washington die ? 

At what age ? 



Z.ESSOH XZZ. 

FOUNDING OF WASHINGTON- WAR 
WITH TRIPOLI. 

It had been strongly advised by Washing- 
ton, that the seat of government should be 
removed to a more central situation than 
Philadelphia or New- York : accordingly a 
territory ten miles square, had been ceded to 
congress for that purpose, by Virginia and 
Maryland, and a city bearing the name of the 
father of his country, was founded on the 
Maryland side of the Potomac. 

Hither the public offices were removed in 
1800, and congress met herein December, 
for the first time. The city is four miles 
square; and is laid out on aw elegant plan. 



116 WAR WITH [Less. 19. 

In 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected 
President, and Aaron Burr, Vice-President of 
the United States. 

Harmony now existed between the United 
Stages and the great European powers ; but 
a new scene of vexations, and eventually of 
war, arose from the piracies of the Barbary 
States. 

The disputes with Tunis, Algiers, and Mo- 
rocco, had been settled, but Tripoli demands 
ed a tribute, which the United ^tates deter- 
mined not to pay. The consequence was, 
the capture of several vessels ; but these inju- 
ries were soon avenged. Captain Sterret, 
of the schooner Enterprise, fell in with and 
conquered aTripolitan cruizer. The engage- 
meni was desperate, and lasted several 
hours. 

The following year Commodore Dale was 
sent to the Mediterranean with three frigates 
and a sloop of war, to blockade the port of 
Tripoli, and protect American commerce. 

In 1803, the fdgafe* Philadelphia ran upon 
a rock near Tripoli, and was compelled to 
strike her colours, and her officers and men 
were made prisoners. 

The following summer Lieut. Stephen 
Decatur had the address to destroy the cap- 
tured frigate, which was then lying at anchor 
in the harbour. For the intrepidity and skill 



Less. 19.] TRIPOLI. 117 

displayed in this bold enterprise, Decatur 
was made a Post- Captain. 

In August, Commodore Preble made three 
attacks upon the Tripolitan batteries, but 
without success, and the captive Americans 
were still treated with great barbarity. 

In 1805, another attempt was made, with 
the co-operation of Hamet, the ex-bastiaw 
of Tripoli, who had been driven from the 
throne by his brother. Mr. William Eaton, 
of Massachusetts, marched at the head of 
Hamet's forces from Alexandria to Dc'^e a 
distance of five hundred miles, over a s > i 
desart, and summoned the town to surrcndv -. 
After a combat of two hours and a half, sup- 
ported by the American squadron, the 
was carried J^ Two other battles took ] 
in both of which the barbarians were compel- 
led to retreat with precipitation, when a trea- 
ty was concluded with the reigning baf i^- 
and the American prisoners set at libert . 

Since we mentioned the establishme : 
Kentucky, two new states have been a h\q,^ 
to the Union, Tennessee and Ohio ; ar. ' \ 
1803, Louisiana was purchased from 
French government, for fifteen million 
dollars. 

In 1804, Captains Lewis and Clark ^ ' 
sent to explore the country. They asc« r 
p.d the Missouri in boats to the falls, a i-^ 



118 QUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 19. 

tance of three thousand miles ; thence cross- 
ed the rocky mountains to Columbia river, 
and thence to the Pacific ocean. They 
reached St. Louis, on their return, in Sep- 
tember, 1806. 

The year 1807 is remarkable for the trial 
of Aaron Burr, who was accused of an at- 
tempt to divide the western from the Atlantic 
states. After several days examination of 
witnesses, no positive proof appearing;, he 
was acquitted. 

A political dispute between him and Alex- 
ander H amilton, led to a duel, in which the 
latter'was killed. 

The practice of impressing American sea- 
men being continued by the Britkh, caused 
great uneasiness, and at lengtiT combined 
with other grievances, led to hostilities. In 
1807, American commerce was interrupted 
both by the measures of the British and the 
French. — Both governments acknowledged 
that their interruptions of neutral commerce 
were unjustifiable ; but both justified them- 
selves on the ground of retaliation. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What had Washington advised ? 

When was the seat of government remo- 



ved.'' 



Less. 20.] EXAMINATION. 119 

Who were the nefct executive officers ? 
What new causes of vexation arose ? 
T\'hat was demanded by Tripoli ? 
What was the consequence of a refusal ? 
How were these injuries avenged ? 
^Vho was sent to the Mediterranean ? 
AVith what force ? 

Describe the loss of the frigate Philadel- 
phia ? 

By whom v.'as she afterwards destroyed ? 

What success had Commodore Preble ? 

How were the captive Americans treated ? 

Describe the expedition of 1805. 

How many battles were fought ? 

What was the result ? 

What Mw states have been added to the 



[ Q^ w si; 

Union ^-WL 

t t^™)i 



What tlmtory w,^^ purchased ? 

Describe the expedition of Lewis and 
Clark. 

For what is the year 1807 remarkable ? 

AVfeat ied to hostilities with Britain ? 

What did the British and French ackno 
ledge? 



WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

Among the immediate causes of the la*' 
war, was the practice of searching A* 



{■:'} WAR WITH [Less. 20. 

.. i ^ ;? _ , and impressing such of the sea- 
men as were recognized as natives of the 
kingdom of Great Britain. This custom, in 
itself at variance with the rights of civilized 
nations, is also liable to great abuse, from the 
impossibility of distinguishing between peo- 
ple speaking the same language. Many na- 
turalized citizens of America, and even some 
natives, were impressed, and it was justly as- 
serted that Great Britain could have no more 
right to invade the deck of a ship, sailing un- 
'"ri the r."'ntecrh;i crf the Arnekican :ia§- 
t.jaii to ■ portfori ol tm American 

temtorj- , 

In April J i8u(), s British vessel of war 
hvpA aj>cn an American <;Oiast'p.r, a*d,kiOed a 
nsian on board. This eveii^ excidBpoasider 
dble censatioii.. and ihsjii^Fresfoem issued a 

'Tovhixn-j'ion^ agreeable to an act of Con- 
virfjsj? iv>i bidding any succour tc b>' given to 

^ai vessel; in any harbour of the United States. 

', On the 22d of Juiie, the British ship Leo- 
^ 'd, of fifty guns, atta<;kecl tbo frigate 

^lesapeake. carrying 30 ^jik- ; killed 4 UK:;n 

jnd wottBde<i 16. Coriirrjodore Barron, who 
eonimanciid the Cxiesapcake, immediately 
struck her eclours, an-i tb^ British com- 

ifmi>«!er '■rr^kj men. whom he claimed as 
• >rli,. 's. Tbc^ae men had previously 



Less. 20.] ENGLAND. 121 

was hanged as a deserter, one died in prison, 
and three of the four were proved to be native 
born Americans. 

Towards the close of the year 1807, the 
President recommended a general embargo, 
and Congress immediately enacted a law to 
prohibit commercial intercourse with foreign 
nations. In the United States the embargo 
met with considerable opposition, and in New 
England it was with difficulty enforced. 

For the preservation of domestic peace, 
the government found it necessary to repeal 
the embargo law as it respected certain arti- 
cVes, and they substituted a non-intercourse 
with France and England. The insulting- 
behaviour of Mr. Jackson, the minister from 
England, heightened the resentment of 
America, and a rencounter between the ships 
of war, the President and Little Belt, in- 
creased the unfriendly sentiments of Eng- 
land. 

The British government disavowed the at- 
tack upon the Chesapeake, and made pro- 
visions to support the families of the killed 
and wounded ; and the impressed sailors 
were restored. In the meantime, Mr, Jef- 
ferson having completed two full periods of 
service, declined a re-election, and James 
Madison was chosen President, and George 
Clinton, Vice-President. All experiments 
L 



122QUESTIONSFOR EXAMINATION. [LeSS.20. 

having failed to produce a change of the 
systems practised by Oreat Britain and 
France against the commerce of the United 
States, war was declared against England on 
the 18th of Jun,-, 1812. This result was 
hastened by the disclosures of John Henry, 
who had been employed by Governor Craig, 
of Canada, to promote dissentions in the 
Eastern states, and withdraw them from the 
Union. His labours not being rewarded by 
the British according to his expectation, he 
disclosed the plot, and obtained §50,000 for 
the discovery. VVith the wages of treachery, 
he embarked for France in a public vessel. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What was one of the immediate causes of 
the war ? 

How is this custom liable to abuse ? 

What occurred in 1 806 ? 

What did this event excite ? 

What occurred on the 22d of June ? 

What did the President recommend 1 

How was the embargo regarded by the 
people ? 

Where did it meet with most opposition ? 

What measure did the government rind 
necessary ? 



Less. 21.] SURRENDER OF DETROIT. 123 

What heightened the resentment of Ameri- 
ca ? 

Did the British government approve the 
attack on the Chesapeake ? 

What restitution was made ? 

Who was the next President ? 

When was war declared ? 

What hastened the declaration ? 

What did Henry receive for his dis- 
closures 

Whither did he go ? 

uit^^-m 2X1. 

SURRENDFROF DETROIT-BATTLE 
OF QUEExNSTOVfN. 

The first military enterprise undertaken, 
was the invasion of Canada by General Hull, 
the Governor of Michigan territory On the 
12thofJu:yhe crossed over into Canada, 
and took possession of Sandwich ; issued a 
proclamation, in which he stated that he had 
a force what were " ahU to Icok down all op- 
positiony^^ and offered protection to the inha- 
bitants who shoud rally round his standard. 

It was expected he would proceed imme- 
diately to the conquest of Fort Maiden ; but 
the davofthe meditated attack, to the inex- 



124 SURRENDER OP [Less. 21. 

pressible astonishment of the brave Ameri- 
cans, orders were given to cross over to De- 
troit. By this disgraceful retreat the inhabi- 
tants of Canada, who had confided in his 
offers of protection, were abandoned to the 
mercy of the British. — Shortly after, a party 
of troops, with supplies for the American 
camp, were attacked near the river Rasin, 
and compelled to retreat, with the loss of 19 
killed and wounded. Another battle took 
place at Maguaga, and, after a severe action 
of three hours, the enemy were compelled to 
retreat to their boats. 

On the 15th of August, the British Gene- 
ral took a position opposite Detroit, and sent 
over a flag, demanding a surrender of the 
American garrison. Gen. Hull returned for 
answer that the fort would be defended to the 
last extremity. 

The next day the enemy were discovered 
crossing the river to attack the fort, when, 
without the slightest cause, the American 
commander ordered his troops to abandon 
their position, and betake themselves to the 
fort. A white flag was then suspended from 
the fort ; and the British officer, who rode up 
to ascertain the cause, could hardly believe 
that a surrender was intended, until a capi- 
tulation was made. 

By this disgraceful surrender, the British 
were put in possession of" all the public stores 



Less. 21. j DETROIT. 126 

and arms, and the Annerican troops were 
conveyed to Montreal and fort George, as 
prisoners of war. General Hull was after- 
wards tried and condemned to suffer death ; 
but in consequence of his age, and revolution- 
ary services, was pardoned. 

Our disgraces on lane: were compensated 
by the skiil, gallantry, and brilliant achieve- 
ments of our naval officers Captain Hull of 
the Constitution, captured the British frigate 
Guerriere on the 10th of September ; and 
from this period to the close of the war, the 
American newspapers were filled with ac- 
counts of naval exploits, both in public and 
private armed vessels. Captain Porter, of 
the Essex, in a daring attempt, cut out a brig 
from a convoy, and found on board 14,000 
dollars, and 150 soldiers. He afterwards 
captured the Alert. The President and the 
Argus were also fortunate ; and the Gallant 
Commodore Decatur, by the capture of the 
Macedonian, added another laurel to those 
which already graced his brow. 

In a few months the British lost upwards 
of 230 merchant vessels, two frigates, and 
several smaller public vessels. 

During the summer and autumn, a consi- 
derable force was collected on the N iagara 
frontier, and on the 1 2th of October the 
troops crossed over and stormed the ememv'? 
T. 2 



12(> KATTLEOF [LcSS. 21. 

teries at Queenstown. The attack was at first 
successful ; the British were three times rout- 
ed ; but being reinforced, while the volun- 
teers on the opposite side refused to cross 
over, the Americans were at last obliged to 
yield to superior numbers In this action 
the British lost Gen. Brock. General Wads- 
worth, Colonels Van Rensselaer, Christie, 
and Scott, and many other American officers, 
highly distinguished themselves, and were 
much applauded. 

General Smythe soon after^took the com- 
mand ; and on the 17th of November, an- 
nounced his intention of crossing into Cana- 
da. On the 28th two thousand men were 
embarked in the boats, waiting only for 
orders, and an equal number paraded the 
shore to act as a reserve. Suddenly Gener- 
al Smythe abandoned the enterprise. The 
troops were indignant, and it was with diffi- 
culty they could be calmed. On the day 
following, the troops were again embarked, 
and the expedition again abandoned. 

The discontent of the volunteers was not 
now confined to murmers ; they even threat- 
ened the life of the General, who was com- 
pelled to place a guard near his person. 
After challenging General Porter of the 
New-York volunteers. Gen. Smythe retired 



Less. 21.] QUEENSTOWN. 127 

to his seat in Virginia, and did not resume 
the command. 

At the west, Gen. Harrison was called to 
the command, and several expeditions were 
conducted by Generals Hopkins andTupper. 
General VYinchester commanded abont 1000 
men, chiefly volunteers from Kentucky. In 
an engagement with the British and Indians, 
he was made prisoner, and his men were bar- 
barously murdered after they had surren- 
dered. Above sixty of the wounded were 
burned in the houses of the inhabitants. The 
barbarity of this action has disgraced the 
name of Proctor, the British leader, and ex- 
cited the strongest indignation in the bosom 
of Americans. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

What was the first military enterprise / 
When did Gen. Hull cross into Canada ! 
What wa<? expected ? 
What orders were given ? 
What two battles took place shortly after ? 
Where did the British take a position ? 
What demand was made ? 
What was the reply ^ 



128 CONTlNtTATlON OF [LcSS. 22. 

Give an account of the surrender of Gen. 
Hull / 

Of what were the British put in posses- 
sion ? 

How were our disgraces compensated ? 

What naval successes are mentioned ? 

What did the British lose ? 

Give an account of the battle of Queens- 
town ? 

Describe the operations of Gen. Smythe ? 

Who was called to the command in the 
west ? 

What troops were commanded by Gen. 
^Vinchester ? 

What was the fate of his army ? 

How was the wounded disposed of ? 

^Vho was the leader of the British troops ? 

CONTINUATION OF THE WAR. 

By an exchange of prisoners, many valu- 
able officers who were captured in the first 
campaign, were restored to the American 
army. The troops enlisted in the middle and 
northern districts, were marched to Sacket's 
harbour and its vicinity. The first interestinc 



Less. 22.] THE WAR. 129 

event in that quarter, was the attack on Og- 
densburgh, by the British, on the 21st of Feb- 
ruary. The Americans under Colonels For- 
syth and Benedict, were compelled to evacu- 
ate the town. 

This partial defeat was soon compensated 
by the capture of York, the capital of Upper 
Canada. General Dearborn, who command- 
ed the northern frontier, assigned this service 
to General Pike, at his particular request ; 
and in the performance of his duty the gallant 
soldier was mortally wounded by the explo- 
sion of a magazine. 

Like Wolfe, he died in the arms of victory. 
«* Move on, my brave fellows," he exclaim- 
ed , " avenge your General." They instant- 
ly obeyed. He was then carried on board 
a vessel, and shortly after was gratified with 
the sight of the British flag, which he direct- 
ed to be placed under his head, and content- 
edly expired. 

Among the most brilliant naval victories, 
we should enumerate the capture of the 
frigate Java, by Captain Bainbridge. The 
action lasted one hour and a half, during 
which the enemy were completely dismasted, 
and their commander was mortally wounded. 
Soon afterwards. General Harrison success- 
fully defended fort Meigs for thirteen days, 
against the British and Indians, under Gen. 
Proctor. 



130 CONTINUATION OF [Less. 'M.. 

The year 1813 was distinguished for a 
variety of engagements by sea and land, 
among the most important of which we may 
reckon the loss of the Chesapeake, which 
was captured by the shannon. The gallant 
Captain Lawrence, and his first Lieutenant, 
Ludlow, were killed in the action. 

The object of the expedition against York, 
was to take or destroy the public property 
there ; and this being now attained, the 
town was evacuted on the first of May. The 
ensuing summer, fort George on the Canada 
side of Niagra river, was taken by the Ameri- 
can troops ; and the British were repulsed 
in an attack on Sacket's Harbour. General 
Dearborn retired from the service, leaving 
fort George to the command of Colonel 
Boyd. In July the British attacked Platts- 
burgh, destroyed the public stores, and car- 
ried off large quantities of private property. 

In the mean time, the British under Admi- 
ral Cockburn, were earring on a predatory 
warfare on jhe shores of Chesapeake Bay. 
Frenchtown &nd Havre de Grace were plun- 
dered and burned, with little resistance on the 
part of the Americans. ,^The arrival of Admi- 
ral Warren augmented the British naval forces 
in the Chesapeake, and Norfolk was destined 
to be the first place of attack Attempting to 
land on Craney-Island, they were so vigor- 



Less. 22.] THE WAK. 131 

ously repulsed, that the design was aban- 
doned. 

They next proceeded against Hampton, 
took possession of the town, and treated 
the inhabitants with areat barbarity. The 
remainder of the summer was spent by the 
British in threatening Washington, Annapolis 
and Baltimore. 

At the west. Major Croghan. a youth of 
only 21 years of age, with 160 men, and one 
six-pounder, defeated 500 British regulars 
under Proctor , and 800 Indians, led by Te- 
cumseh and Dixon, two celebrated Indian 
warriors. 

Commodore Perry obtained a splendid 
victory on Lake Erie, .vhich he has described 
in the following laconic letter : — " We have 
met the enemy, and they are ours ; two ships, 
two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop." 

On the 2d of October, Gen Harrison de- 
feated Proctor and Tecumseh, in Upper 
Canada ; and Tecumseh was slain. He was 
a brave warrior and a subtle politician, and 
his fall was more weakening to the (ndians 
than the loss of half their nation. 

Near the close of the year 1813, General 
M'Clure, to whom had been given the 
charge of fort George, was ordered to eva- 
cuate the fort, and misconceiving his in- 
structions, he preceded his retreat by burning 



132 QUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 22. 

Newark. This excited the resentment of the 
British ; and fort Niagara being surprised, by 
the negHgence of Captain Leonard, nearly all 
the garrison were put to the sword ; and the 
beautiful villages, Lewistown, Manchester, 
Youngstown, and Buffalo, were burned to 
the ground. 



QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

To what place were troops marched ? 

Where was the first interesting engage- 
ment ? 

How was this defeat compensated ? 

What distinguished officer fell in the attack 
of York? 

What is said of his death ? 

What naval victory was obtained ? 

What fort defended ? 

By whom ? 

What loss is next mentioned ? 

When did the army leave York ? 

W hat fort was taken ? 

Where were the British repulsed ? 

Who took the command of the army ? 

What occurred in July ? 

What villages were plundered and burned ^ 

Bv whom ? 



Less. 2ii.] EXAMINATIOIS, I/O 

What British admiral arrived ? 
What city was the object of attack .' 
Where were the British repulsed ? 
Whither did they next proceed '^ 
How did they conduct ? 
flow was the summer spent ? 
Describe the victory of Major Croghaii ' 
What other victory was obtained ? 
Repeat the letter of Commodore Perry. 
^Vhom did General Harrison defeat ? 
What is said of Tecumseh ? 
Who had the command effort George / 
What orders did he receive ? 
How did he misconceive them ? 
How did the British resent the burning oi 
Newark ? 

^Vhat villages were burnt ? 

PEACE. 

In the beginning of the year 1814, a BiHtish 
liag of truce arrived at Annapolis, with de- 
spatches, announcing: the expulsion of the 

ii-i •.:. mi. ..^ .jh , a.-... rhst thi' 
^ JR.%ejit of Englaod. w^^ williri^Jo 



iM PEACE. [Less. 23. 

ftnter on direct negociations for Peace. The 
President frankly acceded to the proposal ; 
and Henry Clay, and Jonathan Russel, were 
appointed to go to Europe, and with John Q. 
Adams, James A. Bayard and Albert Gallatin, 
already there, to iorm a diplomatic hody, to 
commence the pleasing business of recon- 
ciliation. 

In the mean, time the war was carried on 
with renewed vigour on both sides. The 
eastern states had been comparatively ex- 
empted from the calamities of the war ; but 
they now suffered in turn, from the ravages 
of the Enghsh navy. In Say brook, Ware- 
ham and Scituate, the American shipping 
was destroyed by the British ; and a part of 
Maine, lying between Penobscot river and 
Passamaquoddy, was overrun by them. 

At Stonington, in Connecticut, the inhabi- 
tants very gallantly defended themselves, 
and the victory which the enemy had thought 
secure, was changed into mortification and 
defeat. 

The American navy maintained, in every 
Action, the same superiority by which its 
glory was acquired ; and on land, the battles 
of Chippewa and Niagara did equal honour 
to the bravery of thetroops, and the spirit of 
their commanders. In both actions, the 
\merican troops were victarious. A formida- 
ie attack upon fort Erie, now in possession 



Less. 2S.] PEACE. 135 

of the Americans, was soon afterwards re- 
pelled with great loss. 

In June following, intelligence arrived of 
the complete overthrow of Napoleon Bona- 
parte ; and serious apprehensions were en- 
tertained from the exertions of Great Britain, 
now directed to a single point. 

These apprehensions were soon realized, 
A fleet of 21 sail of the line, under Admiral 
Cochrane, arrived in the Chesapeake ; and 
another fleet from Bermuda, under Admiral 
Malcolm. Accompanying these were seve- 
ral thousand land troops, from the victorious 
army of Lord Wellington, commanded by 
General Ross, one of his most active officers, 
On the 24th of August, General Ross suc- 
ceeded in taking Washington, and burned 
the capital and other public buldings. Gen. 
Ross remained in Washington until 8 o'clock 
in the evening of the 25th, and returned 
without molestation. In the mean time. 
Captain Gordon ascended the Potomac, and 
captured Alexandria. 

The next object of attack was Baltimore, 
which was resolutely defended. After a 
bombardment of 25 hours, the British retir- 
ed, and the capture of the city was totally 
abandoned. 

The next occurrence of importance was 
the brilliant victorv of Commodore M'Dot]- 



i3t» PEACE. [Less. 23. 

aiigh over the British squadron on lake 
Champlain, at the same time that General 
Macomb repulsed the British forces under 
Sir George Provost, at Plattsburgh. 

Difficulties of long standing between the 
two nations retarded the proceedings of the 
American and British Commissioners abroad; 
and in September the enemy prepared to 
make a formidable invasion of Louisiana. — 
On the 2d of December, General Jackson 
arrived at New-Orleans from Mobile, after 
performing important services at Pensacola. 
Three days after his arrival, the British 
squadron appeared off the coast to the east of 
the Mississippi. On the 28th General Pack- 
enham landed the main body of his a- my, 
and attacked the American entrenchments. 
Mier a severe contest of seven hours, he 
was compelled to retire. 

On the 1 st of January, another attack was 
made, and the British were again repulsed. 
On the 8th, a memorable victory was obtain- 
ed. Both parties fought with determination 
and bravery, though the loss was very un- 
equal. The British lost seven hundred kill- 
ed, 1 ourteen hundred wounded, and five hun- 
dred prisoners ; while the Americans, in- 
cluded the troops on both banks of the Mis- 
sissippi, lost only thirteen killed, thirty-nine 
wounded, and nineteen missing. The in- 



Less. 23.] PEACE. 137 

vaders lost many valuable officers, among- 
whom was Sir Edward Packenham, a bro- 
ther-in-law of Lord Wellington. Generals 
Keene and Gibbs survived but a few days, 
and the command devolved on General Lam- 
bert. This is the last military achievement 
we have to record. A treaty of peace had 
been signed at Ghent, on the 24th of De- 
cember, in the preceding year, which receiv- 
ed the sanction of the Prince Regent in Eng- 
land, on the 28th, and was signed by the Pre- 
sident on the 1st of February, 1815. 

Thus ended the second war with England. 
In the treaty no allusion was made to the 
causes of the war : but security against fu- 
ture aggression rests on a firmer basis than 
the most solemn treaty ; for Great Britain 
has proved the strength and spirit of our 
rising republic. 

UUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATIOK^- 

What intelligence was received by the flag 
of truce ? 

What was the disposition of the Frincr 
Regent towards America ? 
How -^vere bis proposals m^^A " 
' ^1 ? 



Were the eastern states exempted fronj 
the consequences of the war ? 

What towns were destroyed ? 

What territory was overrun ? 

How were the enemy received at Stoning- 
ton? 

What is said of the navy ? 

IVhat battles are mentioned ? 

What intelligence was received in June 
following ? 

What apprehensions were entertained ? ^ 

Were they realized ? 

When was Washington taken ? 

What buildings were destroyed ? 

What other city was taken ? 

What was the next object of attack ? 

How was Baltimore defended ? 

What was the next important occurrence T 

For what did the enemy prepare ? 

When did Gen. Packenham land his troops? 

Where was General Jackson ? 

What was the result of the attacks of the 
38th December, and the 1st of January ? 

What occurred on the 8th of January ? 

What was the loss of the British ? 

How many Americans fell ? 

What v^as the fate of Gen Packenham ? 

Of Generals Keene and Gibbs ? 

When and where- was the treaty of peace 
>^i§'ned ? 



Less. 24.] CESSION OP THE FLORIDAS. 13^ 

>Vhen ratified by the Prince Regent ? 
^Vhen by the President ? ^ 

On what rests security against* future 
aggression ? 



liSSSO-^l XK2V. 

CESSION OF THE FLORIDAS 
FORMATION OF NEvV STATES. 

The amicable relations with Great Britain, 
which had been restored by the treaty of 
peace, were soon afterwards confirmed by a 
treaty of commerce. 

In 1816, Congress voted an annual appro- 
priation of one million of dollars during eight 
years, to augment the naval force of the Uni- 
ted States, and re-established the national 
bank, the charter of which had expired in 
1810. The next subject which engrossed 
the attention of Congress, was a revision of 
the duties on imported goods. In forming 
the tariff, a judicious attention was given to 
the protection of domestic manufactures. 

In 1817, Mr. Madison having twice filled 
the office of President, did not offer himself 
for a third election, and his place was sup- 
plied by James Monroe ; the Vice-Presiden- 
tial office being assigned to Daniel D. Tomp- 
kins, of New- York. 



140 CESSION OK [Less. 24. 

In 1818, we have to mention the war with 
the Seminole Indians. Pensacola was taken 
from the Spaniards by General Andrew 
Jackson, in consequence of their giving pro- 
tection to the Indians with whom the United 
States were at war. Arbuthnot and Ambris- 
ter, two British subjects, found in arms against 
the United States, were tried by a court mar- 
tial, and found guilty. Arbuthnot was sen- 
tenced to be hanged, and Ambrister to be 
shot ; but one of the members of the court 
requesting a re-consideration of his vote, the 
sentence of Ambrister was commuted for 
corporeal punishment, and twelve months 
imprisonment to hard labour. Gen. Jackson 
disapproving the commutation, the first 
sentence was executed. 

On the 8th July, the bones of General 
Richard Montgomery, having been brought 
from Canada, pursuant to a resolution of the 
Legislature of New- York, were interred with 
funeral honours, under a Monument erected 
to his memorvin front of St. Paul's church, 
in the City of New-York. 

Few events have taken place since the 
peace of 1815, which require a place on the 
page of history. The rapid extension of 
territory which has added several new states 
to the Union, the progress of agriculture, 
science, and the arts ; the internal improve. 



Less. 24.] THE FLORIDAS. 141 

ments of roads, bridges, and canals, are all 
subjects of deep and growing interest ; but 
from the limits of our plan, can only receive 
a brief notice. 

Since the admission of Louisiana into the 
Union in 1812, six other states have been 
added ; and the territory of the United States 
now extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the 
Great Lakes, and from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific Ocean. Indiana was admitted into 
the Union in 1816; Mississippi in 1817; 
Illinois in 1818 , Alabama in 1819 ; Maine, 
and Missouri, in 1820 Much discusssion 
took place on the admission of Missouri, and 
it was, at first, only admitted conditionally. 
Jlut having complied with the act of Con- 
gress, restricting it from preventing the resi- 
dence of free 4persons of colour, it was 
formally declared a state by a proclamation 
of the President, on the 10th of August, 
1821. 

We have before mentioned the existence 
of slavery in the United States. This evil is 
gradually decreasing, provision having been 
made in the Constitution to prevent the im- 
portation of slaves after the year 1807. In 
Indiana and Illinois, slavery is forbidden by a 
law of Congress to exist ; and it had long 
ceased in Maine, as adistrict ofMassachuetts. 
Indiana and Illinois are sections of the terri- 



142 CESSION OF [Less. 24. 

tory north-west of Ohio, part of which form- 
ed the state of Ohio — Mississippi and Ala- 
bama formerly belonged to Georgia — Maine 
was separated from Massachusetts, and Mis- 
souri from that extensive region ceded to the 
United States by France, under the name of 
Louisiana. 

In February, 1819, a treaty with Spain 
was concluded at VVashiugton, by which the 
provinces of East and West Florida wtre 
ceded to the United States. This treaty 
was ratified by Ferdinand, King of Spain, in 
October, 1820, and approved by the Presi- 
dent and Senate of the United States, in 
1821. 

Five millions of dollars were named as the 
price of the Floridas ; but this sum is not paid 
to Spain, but apportioned among American 
citizens, as an indemnity for illegal seizures 
of their property in Spanish ports, when un- 
der the dominion of France. 

Since the peace of 1815, conventions have 
been called in several r)f the States, ton vise 
and amend their Constitutions. In Connec- 
ticut, the original charter of ( harles the 
Second had continued to be the Constitution 
of the State, after the revolution; and though 
it was remarkably liberal for a colonial go- 



Less. 24.] THE FLORIDAS. 143 

vernment, several alterations were necessary 
to adapt it to the wishes of a free and enlight- 
ened people It is a fact cieditable to the 
American people, that while in monarchial 
governments, effective alterations are seldom 
attained without a recurrence to arms, levo- 
lutions are here effected by peaceable legisla- 
tion, and the people cheerlully acquiesce in 
the will of the majority. 

In New- York, the most important altera- 
tion of the Constitution regards the elective 
franchise, which is now extended to all tree 
citizens, whether rich or poor. In Massa- 
chusetts, the Convention, after mature deli- 
beration, returned the Constitution to the 
people, without any material alteration. 

QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 

How was peace confirmed ? 
What was voted b> Congress ? 
What subject next engrossed attention ? 
Who was the next President 1 
What is mentioned ? 
What city was taken by Gen. Jackson ? 
What was the crime of Arbuthnot and Am- 
])rister '! 

What sentence was passed upon them ? 
What occurred on the 8th Julv ? 



144 QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. [LeSS. 24 

What new states have been admitted ? 

When ? 

^Vhat is said of Missouri ? 

What provision was made in the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, with respect to sla- 
very ? 

From what territories were the new States 
formed ? 

What territcries was ceded to the United 
States by Spain ? 

When? 

What was the nominal price of the 
Floridas ? 

How was it apportioned ? 

For what have Conventions been called '' 

What is said of Connecticut ? 

Of New- York ? 

Of Massachusetts ^ 



CONCLUSION. 

We have now brought our history nearly to the 
present period ; and it only remains tliat we should 
briefly note the preceding and present year, and 
make a few concluding, remarks. 

In looking over the public journals, though we 
find much to be interested in, httle has occurred in 
the two last years which properly comes within the 
limits of an abridged history of the United States. 

Manufacturers and agriculture continue to pros- 
per, and societies for their encouragement have been 
formed in almost every state and county. 

The only interruption of our commercial prosperi- 
ty have been the depredations of pirates. The bays 
and inlets of the West India Islands, particularly 
of Cuba, have been their principal resort. Many 
vessels hare been taken and plundered by them, 
and sometimes the officers and crews inhumanly 
murdered. To check their lawless depredations, 
the vessels of the United States have been ordered 
to cruise among the West India Islands. In an 
engagement with a piratical vessel, the brave Lieut. 
Allen lost his life, deeply regretted by his fellow 
citizens, — Many of the pirates have been taken, 
brought to the tfnited States, and have suffered the 
penalty of the law ; and very lately Commodore 
Porter has succeeded in capturing a number of pira- 
tical vessels from the Island ol Cuba, which has 
quite broken up their rendezvous on that Island, 
and given a severe check to these lawless marauders. 

The revolutions in South America, in which the 
Spanish provinces have thrown oflf their allegiance 
totb«* parent country, have opened a new field for 
Ameiicun enterprize ; and it is hoped that i canal 
vriW be ctit acros' the isthmus of Duiien, opening a 
direet communication between the Atlantic and Pa- 



146 CONCLUSION. 

cific Oceans. A wise and liberal government, 
seconded by the exertions of enterprising individuals 
might soon effect so desirable an object. 

The cession of the Florid as is important, as ex- 
tending the boundary of the United States to the 
gulph of Mexico : and, consequently, removing the 
inconvenience of having Amelia Island occupied by 
irregular troops, under commissions from the South 
American republics and exciting jealousies between 
the government and territories still belonging to 
Spain. It will also prevent the inroads of the Sem- 
inole and other tribes of Indians ; and it designates 
the boundary on the side of Mexico, which was left 
undefended in the cession of Louisiana. 

Literature and Scienceare every year extending in 
the United States, and no government has more lib- 
erally encouraged schools for elementary instruction. 

The government of the United Statest is a repre- 
sentative republic. The executive power is vested 
in a President and Vice-President who hold their 
ofifices during the term of four years. The legisla- 
tive power is lodged in a Senate and House of Re- 
presentatives, which, when assembled, are, collec- 
tively called the Congress. The Representatives 
are elected every second year ; the Senators are cho- 
sen for six years. 

The governments of the several States are elective, 
and republican, every officer being appointed, either 
directly or indirectly, by the people. The executive 
power is vested in a Governor. One distinguish- 
ing feature of the government is universal tolera- 
tion. The Constitution recognises no established 
religion, and all sects are protected in the peaceable 
enjoyment of their own tenets and rites. Religion 
thus rests on its proper basis — the protection of its 
Almighty Author, while the Christian ministry re- 
ceives an ample support from the voluntary exer- 
tions of societies and individuals. 



CONCLUSION. 147 

Having completed her assigned task, the compi- 
ier of this work begs leave to congratulate her little 
pupils, for whose use it is intended, on the auspi- 
cious era in which it has pleased Divi le Providence 
to call them Mpon the stage of action. Born in a land 
of liberty, in a time when peace and plenty are abun- 
dantly enjoyed, and when unusual exertions are 
made to deffuse the hissings of education, on you, 
dear children, rest a responsibility upon which you 
cannot too early or too seriously reflect. 

Our Fathers crossed the pathless ocean — found 
a new world, and prepared it for the happy resi- 
dence of liberty; they toiled — they fought — they bled 
to secure their offspring the blessings which you now 
enjoy. It remains for the rising hope of America 
to fulfil the high destinies to which they £?re called; 
to exalt, by their virtues, the country which gave 
them birth, and transmit entire to their descendants 
the glorious legacy of freedom. 

Wh&n the children who study this History are 
older, they will read the Histories of ancient nations, 
many of which exist no more. They will see how 
the republics of Greece, of Rome, and of Syracuse, 
gradually lost their freedom and independence, 
when they declined from those noble virtues which 
distinguished the days of their glory. They will 
find that industry and economy are the true wealth 
of nations ; thai luxury and extravagance are the 
bane of liberty ; and that no nation can long continue 
free unless her children are mstructed to fear God 
and practice virtue. You may boast, in vain, of the 
freedom you enjoy, if your minds are the slaves of 
ignorance and vice. Improve, then, the blessings 
within your reach, and remember that the voice of 
inspiration has said, " Righteousntss exalttth a na- 
tion : but sin is a reproach to any people ." 



lie. 




a. 





y^gy^ 



